Developmental Information
| Site: | MSL Learn |
| Course: | Youth Services: Tween and Teen |
| Book: | Developmental Information |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Monday, April 7, 2025, 7:06 AM |
Description
Please read this book for an overview of important developmental milestones and changes that tweens and teens might experience. This book will cover the following topics:
- Overview of Developmental Milestones and Changes
- Breakdown of Ages and Stages
Overview of Developmental Milestones and Changes
In order to best serve your teens and tweens at your library, it’s important to understand the many changes that they are going through on physical, mental, and emotional levels. This time period can be difficult, exciting, or confusing for many young people, and they need a safe, welcoming, and fun environment where they can spend time. Libraries can help provide that environment for teens and tweens, and can be positive influences in helping them develop their intellectual appetites, as well as their personal identities and goals in life. This section of the course will talk about the major milestones that teens and tweens experience during this time in life, and how that may affect their relationship and understanding of the library.
The NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) currently defines “young adult” as ages 12-18. You may also hear “teens” or “tweens” as another term for this age group. You may find that some libraries use “young adult” for all of their marketing and outreach, while others use “teen.” Both are fine, as long as you are consistent across your services and programs.
Breakdown of Ages & Stages
Adolescent age groups:
- 8-10 years old - While children these ages are still firmly in the school-age group, they are beginning to see some mental and physical changes as they develop towards adolescence.
- 11-13 years old - Commonly referred to as “tweens,” at this age they are more physically mature and are having deeper thoughts on life, as well as setting goals and developing stronger relationships with peers.
- 14-18 years old - High school students are facing huge physical changes as well as preparing for a life after school. They are focused on developing a sense of self and experimenting to find their likes and dislikes.