Growing up with

Confidence 2

2.1 Introduction
You have already learnt about growing up as adolescents in
Class VIII through your science textbook. Growth is a natural
phenomenon. Growth is a characteristic feature of all living
beings. You must have seen seeds growing into seedlings, which
then grow and develop into plants, or pups growing into dogs,
kitten into cats and so on. Similarly an infant passes through
Box 2.1 different phases of growth from childhood to adolescence to
adulthood. Although all the stages of growth and development
are significant, it has been universally recognised that the
Adolescence is the stage of adolescence is the most critical one.
period of transition This chapter deals with the pattern of human growth with
between childhood special emphasis on the growth spurt that takes place during
and adulthood in adolescence which means by rapid changes in the body,
human lifespan. It psyche and behaviour. An adolescent, well aware of pubertal
is generally been changes, must be able to understand and accept the changes
between 10-19 with confidence, and not fall into the trap of escapist strategies
years of age. It is such as drug abuse. Growing up with confidence needs proper
a period of rapid understanding of various issues and concerns related to
physical, cognitive, adolescence such as growth and development, self-concept
socio-emotional and and self-esteem, anxiety and depression, nutritional needs
behavioural changes. and sexual desires or any kind of harassment. Understanding
WHO states that- these issues and concerns will help develop a positive attitude
“there are certain towards gender concerns and building healthy relationships.
attributes that mark 2.2 Growth: A Natural Phenomenon
adolescence which
Recognition of adolescence as a distinct stage in the development
include appearance
of human beings began during the early part of the 20th
of secondary sex
century. Growth during adolescence is mostly portrayed as
characteristics
an exclusive characteristic of this period, making one believe
(puberty), attainment
that growth during other stages — childhood, adulthood and
of reproductive
old age is hardly significant. But you would have observed
maturity,
that we have all been growing up since we were born without
development of adult consciously realising it. We can appreciate the phenomenon
mental processes of growth during all stages of human life by undertaking the
and adult identity following activities.
and transition from
total socio-economic 2.2.1 What is Growth?
dependence to relate Let us understand what is growth? Growth may be defined
independence”. as the quantitative increase in size or mass. When weight is
measured in kilograms and height in centimetres from time to

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Activity 2.1
1. You may collect pictures from old magazines or newspapers and paste them on
a sheet of paper to exhibit the life history of a plant or an animal or stages of
human lifecycle beginning from infancy to old age. You may even draw them.
2. In your diary, list the changes that you have undergone from the time you were
nine years old, till now. Mention physical, emotional as well as psychological
changes which you experienced. Prepare a write-up on those changes
particularly focusing on whether the changes that made you feel surprised or
stressed till you realised that these changes are normal and natural. You may
discuss these changes with your friends. You will realise that these changes
during adolescence do not begin at the same age in all the growing children.

time, we can know how much growth has occurred in a child.

When the organs of the body grow, the number, the size and the
weight of their cells increase. Growth can be measured in terms
of the change in length, width, depth and volume in a specific
time period. Although growth is a characteristic of living beings,
in all living beings, the rate of growth also depends on nutrition
and living conditions, including the environment at home.
2.2.2 Growth, Development and Maturation
Growth, development and maturation occur side by side.
Growth is a quantitative increase in size through increase in
number of cells or elongation of cells. Development may be
defined as the progression of changes, both qualitative and
quantitative, which lead to an undifferentiated mass of cells to
a highly organised state. Maturation is a measure of functional
capacity. For example, a child begins to speak by making
unintelligible sounds. Then, slowly it acquires the capacity for
speaking in a manner, which is easily understood by others.
Another example of maturation is when a child begins to crawl
and then matures to a state of walking on two legs. Similarly,
organs of reproduction reach maturity at the end of puberty.
2.3 Determinants of Growth and Development
Although age related events of growth, development and
maturation in human beings are mostly the same in all cultures,
however, some variations do exist. This is because growth is
affected by both genetic and the environmental factors. Growth
is also influenced by the socio–cultural context. For example,
in the economically backward families, the growth of family
members gets stunted due to undernourishment. But even
in economically sound households, the members may not be
taking a nutritious diet. Many children who eat junk food all the
time become obese. In fact, growth and development of a human
being is a result of a combination of heredity and environment.

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 18 Health and Physical Education — Class IX

2.3.1 Role of Heredity

Parents contribute genes to their biological offspring, so
the children tend to resemble their parents in stature,
body proportions, body composition, and pace of growth
and development. Individual genes, however, are not solely
responsible for growth, nor do they directly cause growth.
Several genes jointly control growth. The hormonal and nervous
systems also have an important role to play. Hormones from
endocrine glands provide the requisite environment for gene
action throughout life. For example, growth spurt during
adolescence requires the secretion of adequate amounts of
growth hormones into blood so that the genes regulating growth
of skeleton, muscles and fat become active to the required
extent. Because of inheritance, children of tall parents are
likely to be tall and children of short parents tend to be short.
One needs to understand the role of heredity in the context
of development of body physique. Therefore, one should not
develop a negative or positive image of oneself on the basis
of one’s physique. Also, some individuals have a constitution
which makes them look tall (ectomorphic), some medium
sized (mesomorphic) and some have a small but rounded built
(endomorphic). Thus, a normally growing adolescent should
not base self-image on these factors as they are beyond one’s
control.
2.3.2 Role of Environment
Growth and development are also influenced by environmental
factors. The role of nutrition, child rearing practices and the
psycho-social environment provided by the family is very critical.
Nutrition: A nutritious diet favours growth. Growth requires
multiplication of cells or enlargement of cells, which depends
on an adequate supply of nutrients. In fact, at every stage,
the body needs a basic level of nutrients for its sustenance.
Nutrition is, therefore, the most important external factor for
growth. You have learnt in earlier classes in your science lessons
that essential nutrients in a human diet are:
Box 2.2 1. Proteins and amino acids
2. Carbohydrates and sugar
Deficiency of iodine 3. Lipids – fats and oils
in food causes 4. Minerals – Macronutrients: Calcium, Phosphorus,
retardation of Sodium, Potassium, Sulphur, Chlorine, Magnesium.
mental and physical Micronutrients: Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Iodine, Cobalt,
growth. Can you Copper, Molybdenum, Nickel.
now explain the 5. Vitamins – Vitamins are of two kinds
importance of Fat soluble: Vitamins A, D, E, K
consuming iodised Water soluble: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic Acid.
salt? 6. Water

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 Growing up with Confidence 19

Nutrients are obtained from food. Both quality and quantity

of food are important. Food provides energy, and energy
(in kilo calories) is required not only for growth but also for
maintenance of the body, its working as well as reproduction.
A balanced diet contains all the nutrients in appropriate
quantities. Undernutrition during childhood results in slow
growth and delayed maturation. If continued into adolescence,
it leads to short stature adulthood. Nutritional needs during
adolescence are more than that during childhood. Dietary
deficiencies retard the growth. The nutrient requirement
however varies among adolescents since rate of physical growth
is not the same in all. In populations with food shortage, growth
of children is delayed. They may be shorter or of less weight
due to malnutrition or undernutrition.

Activity 2.2
Read the following case studies carefully and reflect on the question asked at
the end of each case study.
Case 1: Fourteen years old Suleman and George were very good friends who also
shared their birth date. Suleman’s parents were quite tall. While Suleman was 5 feet
6 inches tall, George was only 4 feet 9 inches. George wanted to be of the same height
as Suleman and would hold on to a rod and hang from it but to no avail. Then they
approached the counsellor in school.
Guess what counselling was given by the counsellor?
Case 2: Suresh was a small-built boy studying in Class IX. Not only was he short and
skinny but also had a tired look on his face. After a medical examination by the school
doctor, parents took good care of Suresh. By the time Suresh got into Class  XI, he
was as grown up as his classmates. The doctor gave no medicines to Suresh.
How do you think Suresh attained normal growth?

2.3.3 The Psycho-social environment

The quality of emotional and psychological environment
in which a child lives and grows do influence the hormonal
balance of the body, thereby affecting growth. Growth gets
retarded as a result of emotionally stressful environment.
Physical and psychological stress together have been found
to influence growth and development in girls with respect to
menarche and menstruation. The age of attaining puberty
among boys and girls varies. Some adolescents show signs of
early maturation, while others mature late. Highly competitive
track athletes who enter training before puberty have been
found to show delayed menarche. It is possible to explain
the delay due to the elevated levels of certain hormones in
blood during severe physical exercise. These hormones delay

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 20 Health and Physical Education — Class IX

the onset of menstruation. The

Read the following case study carefully and
timing of menarche is possibly
reflect-
the best researched adolescent
Case 3: event known to be affected by
Neeta and Sheena have been friends since they factors like heredity, nutrition,
were five years old. They sit together in class. illness, socio-economic status
They come to school together as they are also and psychological condition.
neighbours. When they were 12, Neeta began to 2.3.4 Socio-economic Status
menstruate. Sheena showed breast development
Socio-economic status also
but no signs of menarche even when she was 14.
affects growth. Poverty and low
Both friends spoke to the teacher about their worry
socio-economic status lowers
regarding Sheena.
the rate of growth in youngsters.
What do you think the teacher said which rid them Such retarded growth in socially
of their anxiety? weaker sections of the society
is linked to heavy physical
labour and the stress associated with it. Malnutrition and an
unhygienic environment is also not congenial for growth.

Activity 2.3
Read the conversation between Srinivas and his friend Ali
Srinivas of Class IX (age 13) who is short and skinny is teased by his classmates, who
call him ‘dwarfy’/’bauna’/‘gittha’. Srinivas stops going to school. One day his class
friend Ali meets him in the market and enquires about his absence from school.
Ali: A lot has been done in the class and exams are approaching. Why are you not
coming to school? Even the teacher was commenting on your absence.
I am your friend. Tell me what is wrong. I shall try and help you.
Srinivas: He breaks down. We are six siblings living with our parents in a small
shanty (jhuggi). My father is alcoholic. My mother works harder than her body can
allow, for earning some money for the family. There is never enough to eat. We are
always fighting. On top of that the bullies of the class tease me. In any case, I need to
supplement family income by taking up a job.
Analyse the situation, which led to slower growth and natural development in Srinivas.
What are the factors affecting the growth of Srinivas?
If you are Ali, what will you do.

2.4 Self-concept and Self-esteem

Growth and development during adolescence do affect self-
concept and self-esteem. The concept of ‘self’ becomes evident
in boys and girls as they enter their ‘teen’ age. Several changes
begin to occur in their body and psyche. As a result, the
attention is focused towards ‘self’. As the concept of ‘self’
develops, it makes the teenager develop less dependence on
parents. Self-image becomes important not only for oneself

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 Growing up with Confidence 21

but also in the eyes of others. There is a tendency for looking Box 2.3
into the mirror and admiring oneself. Grooming oneself to look
beautiful or handsome to others is always at the back of the Did you know?
mind of young boys and girls.
 Awareness of
Support and guidance from parents and teachers and
positive qualities
friendship with peers help in developing ‘positive self-esteem’.
makes one feel
Self-esteem is also a kind of self-recognition. It is important for
good and enhance
growing up with confidence.
self-esteem.
The consequences of low self-esteem and self-image are
 When we feel
detrimental to efficiency. Try to have high self-esteem and a
good, we respond
positive self-image.
to every situation
Peer group is important because friends and peers may help
more positively.
to sort out confusions regarding rapidly occurring changes in
 Appreciating
the body. Similar changes in friends of the same age reassure
others makes us
that all is normal. As adolescents grow, they emotionally move
feel good.
further from parents to become independent adults. Acceptance
among peers becomes important. Company of wrong peers or
adults becomes risky during early adolescence. Activity 2.4
2.5 Psychological Security
Write ten sentences
For developing self-confidence and self-esteem, it is essential on ‘Me — in my own
to have a stress-free environment. Adolescence is a period eyes’, in your diary.
of losses—loss of childhood, loss of sexual innocence, loss Analyse your writing.
of freedom from responsibility. Adolescents need parental Do you feel that you
support to cope with these losses. have desirable self-
Psychological security depends a lot on how a boy or girl esteem and self-
was valued by the family as a child. You may have seen that confidence? Express
teenagers who have experienced encouragement from others your feeling in three
with respect to values and parental expectations tend to be sentences.
psychologically more secure than those who are subjected as
children to shame and punishment.
A psychologically secure teenager
is able to concentrate on studies,
have respect for parents, spend time
judiciously on hobbies and establish
healthy relationships. Adolescence has to
be viewed as a period of gains too— the
adolescent attains a beautiful physique,
figure and face. Another gain is the
maturity of brain, which leads to rational
thinking and better understanding of
subjects and issues. But to ignore the
losses and carry the gains forward,
support from parents/guardians,
teachers, and peers goes a long way in
Source: Poster designed by Laxmi Narayan Mochi from Class
helping the youngsters cope with changes XII JNV, Mandaphia, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
occurring during adolescence. Fig. 2.1 : Peer Group

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 22 Health and Physical Education — Class IX

Box 2.4
Read carefully the following situations and try to respond to the given questions.
Situation 1: Shalini and her friends in Class IX were preparing for the school’s annual
function. All of them were very excited. Anita, one of Shalini’s classmates, mocked at
her, “You are so dark. We will need additional light to be able to see you on the stage.”
Shalini’s good friend, Madhu, felt bad for Shalini and advised her to use a cream to
make her complexion lighter. “You already dance so well. Can you imagine how nice
you will look on the stage if you had a lighter complexion?”
Shalini smiled and said, “Thank you, Madhu. I appreciate your concern but I am happy
with my complexion. My teacher and I am working hard on my dance practice and I
am confident that our efforts and your good wishes will lead to a good performance.”
1. What do you think of Anita’s remark about Shalini?
2. Do you think that having a light complexion is important for being beautiful?
3. Do you think that Madhu is trying to perpetuate the stereotype that having a light
complexion is an important component of being beautiful?
4. What do you think of Shalini’s response?
Situation: Raja has an overbearing father who also becomes cruel if he is angry at
Raja. Raja hates to go home. He roams around with his friends till dinner time. He
feels he is good for nothing.
1. How can Raja’s plight be improved?
2. Who can help and how. Substantiate your answer with reasons.
(a) Teacher (b) Counsellor (c) Classmates (d) Parents (e) All

2.5.1 Psychological Insecurity and Mental Illness

Psychological insecurity expresses as anxiety and depression
and in severe cases may result in psychosis, which is a mental
disorder. Psychologically insecure individuals may even
attempt suicide.
2.6 Anxiety and Depression
During growing up, adolescents also become victims of anxiety
and depression.
2.6.1 Anxiety
Anxiety is not abnormal. Everyone gets the feeling of anxiety
sometime or the other. Anxiety is an apprehension of something
unpleasant or some danger. It causes mental discomfort and
pain. It may sometimes prove to be useful, for example, before
an examination or competition. But an abnormally high level
of anxiety is counter productive as it distracts and lowers the
span of attention. Adolescents sometimes panic out of anxiety
without knowing the reason. They may even feel a fear of
Fig. 2.2 : Parent-child
Communication failure in future. This makes them tense and tired. Anxiety may

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 Growing up with Confidence 23

manifest as a need to get medical treatment for an imaginary

sleep disorder or some other physical complaint. It may also
manifest as over breathing (hyperventilation syndrome).
Anxiety may even be due to separation from parents or even for
having to attend school out of compulsion or due to sex drive.
Adolescents may try to get out of anxiety by self-help. The
right treatment for anxiety lies in seeking help from parents,
teachers, counsellors and even friends.
2.6.2 Depression
Feeling ‘sad’ or low is common among the adolescents. If
the feeling is short-lived there is no problem. But sometimes
symptoms of depression show up as social withdrawal, need to
weep, eating and sleeping problems, and feeling of dejection and
hopelessness. Depression at times leads to hostility towards
parents, society and peers. ‘Anger’ is sometimes a psychological
reaction for fighting depression. If an individual faces pressure,
he/she should be empowered to access or seek information,
advice, support through appropriate communication from
significant adults such as the parents, teachers, elders,
relatives, peers, counsellors and health professionals. The best
way to get out of depression is to engage oneself in various
types of physical activities and hobbies.
2.6.3 Psychosis
Psychosis is a medical term for a serious illness in which
the patient loses contact with reality. The perception in the
patient’s mind has no connection with reality of the outside
world. The quality of relationships declines progressively and
contact with others lessens with time in a psychotic person.
A psychotic may also suffer delusions and hallucinations in
which the patient imagines voices and happenings which are
far from real. Psychosis may result from abuse of alcohol and
drugs, injury and traumatic events.
2.6.4 Suicidal Tendency
Depression and suicidal tendencies often go together. It is
unfortunate that often a trivial problem drives a person to
commit suicide. The person feels that it is difficult to run away
from unhappiness and death can be the only solution. Suicide in
adolescents is mostly due to a sense of guilt or failure. Suicidal
behaviour is usually impulsive. It is attempted to punish the
self or a loved one. Often suicide is followed by a quarrel with
a loved one. It springs from loss of reasoning, which is usually
temporary. For teenagers, or for that matter for everyone, it
is important, therefore, to think about the consequences

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 24 Health and Physical Education — Class IX

before taking any extreme step. The need is to take care of

such adolescents and help them overcome depression. It is the
responsibility of the parents to take to the child or consult a
counsellor if they see any symptoms of depression before it is
too late.
2.7 Drug or Substance Abuse
Young people are more vulnerable to drug or substance
misuse and abuse due to peer pressure, poor self-esteem, low
achievement at school or family history of drug or substance
abuse. Drugs are chemicals. Some are used for treatment and
help in recovery from an ailment. But when drugs are used for
purposes other than treatment, their consumption becomes
‘drug abuse’ rather than ‘drug use’. Many a time drugs given
for medical treatment are also abused as in the case study
given below.
Certain drugs serve no useful purpose; instead have adverse
effects on the body. Drugs such as Marijuana, hallucinogens
and tranquilisers which have an effect on the brain and drive
the user into a make believe world of fantasy and provide
false feelings of being free from problems. These are not only
addictive but also have an adverse effect on the brain.

Activity 2.5

Read the following case and give your opinion.

Raman, Robin and Rina, students of Class XII, are good friends. Robin lives in a
hostel nearby. He once got a bad cold and cough. The doctor prescribed a cough
syrup. Robin was soon cured. When Robin was ill, Raman and Rina used to visit
his room regularly to know about his health and extend their help to him. Once,
during such a visit, while Robin was taking his medicine he mentioned its good
taste. Later, whenever Rina and Raman came to Robin’s room, Raman would taste
the cough syrup. He soon acquired such a strong taste that he went and bought the
cough syrup for himself from the chemist. Now he has started consuming the syrup
everyday and does not feel comfortable if he misses it even on one day.
Answer the following questions by giving reasons.
1. Whether taking cough syrup by Robin is ‘use’? Why?
2. Whether taking cough syrup by Raman is ‘abuse’? Why?
3. Think about some other substances which are also abused by adolescents?

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 Growing up with Confidence 25

The table 2.1 gives the names and groups of drugs and
their affects.

Table 2.1
Group Drugs/Substances Effect the user feels
Stimulants Amphetamines (eg. • Temporarily accelerate functioning
Benzedrine, Dexedrine of the brain (central nervous system)
and Methedrine, cocaine, and the user may temporarily feel
nicotine, tobacco alert and full of energy.
• In higher doses, stimulants may
lead to anxiety or panic.
• Mental health problems can occur
with increasing use. In cases of
serious overdose, death may occur.
Depressants Alcohol, barbiturates, e.g. Slow down activity of the brain and
Gardenal, tranquilisers like may also have hypnotic effects.
Valium.
Sedatives Hypnotics like Mandrax, • Produce opium like effects and
Doriden stupor. This group in short span
Narcotics/ Opium, morphine, codeine, may produce relaxing, but in higher
analgesics heroin, brown sugar, doses, these may lead to drowsiness,
synthetic drugs like decreased concentration, nausea,
Methadone, Pethidine, vomiting and sweating.
Mephradine • Further increase in the dose may lead
to deep sleep, loss of consciousness
and even death.
Cannabis Bhang (marijuana), ganja, Distort the way in which individuals
Hallucinogens charas, LSD (Lysergic normally see, hear and feel.
acid Diethylamide) PCP
(Phencyclidine), Mescaline,
Psilocybin

Following symptoms of drug abuse are noteworthy.

Physical Symptoms
• Reddening and puffiness of eyes, unclear vision
• Running nose, congestion, coughing, pale face and dark
circles under eyes
• Slurring of speech
• Nausea, vomiting and body pain
• Messy appearance, lack of cleanliness
• Drowsiness or sleeplessness, lethargy and passivity
• Loss of appetite, significant weight loss or gain
• Numerous fresh injection marks on body, blood stains
on clothes, profuse sweating

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Behavioural Symptoms
• Changing mood, temper tantrums, hostility
• Acute anxiety, depression
• Blaming, lying, making excuses, emotional detachment
• Loss of interest in studies, sports and in daily routine
• Impaired memory and lack of concentration
• Secrecy in respect of possessions and actions
• Loss of valuables or money from home
Performance Symptoms
• Withdrawal from family environment and non-
participation in family work
• Sudden lowering of grades in school, non-completion of
home work, absenteeism
• Presence of needles, syringes and strange packets at
home
• More time spent in personal room, in the bathroom or
away from home
Drug abuse in itself is not a cause of HIV and AIDS or other
STIs, but under the influence of drugs, people may engage in
risky behaviour that makes them more susceptible to these
infections. Furthermore, substance abuse influences not only
the individual but also the family and even the community. The
person who gets addicted often loses interest in other activities
be it school, job or any other responsibility. As a result,
Box 2.5 the addicts are not able to undertake their responsibilities
and become a liability for their families. Furthermore, it is
Saying ‘No’ with
expensive to buy substances/drugs on a regular basis. Hence,
confidence is the
only way to protect in desperation, addicted individuals may be forced to engage
oneself from sexual in petty crimes.
harassment. There can never be any need for drugs if one leads a
meaningful life with nutritious food, physical exercise, yoga,
satisfying occupation and healthy relationships.
2.8 Sexual Harassment or Sexual Abuse
Sexual harassment is described as any unwelcome sexual
gesture or behaviour, whether directly or indirectly–physical
contact or advance, showing pornography, a demand or quest
Read about for sexual favour, or any other unwelcome physical, verbal/
Protection of nonverbal conduct. It also includes molestation and rape. It is
Children from Sexual a criminal act and a punishable offence. Young girls and boys
Offence (POCSO) Act often become target of sexual harassment/abuse by older and
2012 and Discuss powerful people. As per the research, a person who is engaged
with your classmates in sexual abuse of young girls and/or boys is often known to
them. Boys are equally vulnerable to sexual abuse. The black
mailers usually threat the youngsters of serious consequences
if they tell anyone. In such cases, the girl/boy being abused
must immediately inform parents/or any trusted member for
protection.

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Activity 2.6

Read the following case studies and discuss the questions with your friends.
Case Study 1: Mohit is ten years old. His uncle often comes over to Mohit’s house and
stays over. He brings lots of toffees and biscuits for him. He always insists on sleeping
in Mohit’s room. At times he tries to touch Mohit in ways that Mohit does not like.
Mohit’s parents notice that Mohit has become very quiet and withdrawn but does not
share anything with them.
Questions for discussion
1. Why do you think Mohit is uncomfortable with his uncle’s behaviour?
2. What should Mohit’s parents do when they notice that he has become very quiet
and withdrawn?
3. Why do you think Mohit does not say anything to his parents?
4. Was Mohit’s uncle abusing him? Explain your answer.
Case Study 2: Sabina and Monica study in Class XI and are friends. They go out to see
a film. On the way out of the hall, they are teased and harassed by a man who passes
obscene comments. Sabina wants to make noise about the incident and seek support
from others around to confront the man and warn him. She also wants to complain to
the cinema manager and insist that they act to make the hall safe for women. However,
Monica is not sure of taking this stand. She feels that perhaps they should not go to
cinema halls on their own to see films and should be accompanied by their parents or
brothers who could protect them.
Questions for discussion
1. What do you think Sabina and Monica finally did? Why?
2. What would you have done if you were in Sabina’s or Monica’s place? Why?
3. Have you noticed, or heard of sexual harassment in cinema halls, roads, buses
or other public places?
4. What can possibly be done to make public places safer for girls and women? Who all
can make this happen? For example, cinema hall managers, police, sensitisation/
awareness campaigns by schools, girls like Sabina and Monica themselves by
supporting one another, etc.
Case Study 3: Reena is a 16 year old girl and she studies in Class X. A boy Hemant
in her class has been stalking her for some time now. He has even proposed to her
and she has refused his ‘proposal’. However, the boy went on troubling her, saying
that “ When a girl says no, she means yes”. Reena is very angry. She wants to tell her
teacher, but is scared the teacher may not understand.
Questions for discussion
1. Why do you think Hemant makes the comment “When a girl says no, she means
yes”? What do you think of the comment?
2. What advice would you give Hemant if he was a friend of yours?
3. What advice would you give Reena if she was a friend of yours?
4. Do you think the teacher could play a positive role, if told about the situation?
If yes, how?

Source : NCERT, 2012 Training and Resource Materials : Adolescence Education Programme, New Delhi

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Assessment

Answer the following questions

1. Give at least one difference between
(a) Growth and development ..............................................
(b) Development and maturation .......................................
2. Given below are nine statements. Categorise them into
events of Growth (G), Development (D) and Maturation
(M).
(a) A baby on seeing his mother begins to utter the word
“MA”.
(b) The testis begins to produce sperms.
(c) The fetal heart begins to beat.
(d) A plant observed in the garden a few months ago is now a
shrub.
(e) The baby starts walking without support.
(f) Aruna has reached menarche.
(g) Mary can no longer fit into her shoes that were bought for
her last year.
(h) Haneef needs to shave everyday this year before going to
school.
(i) In 2007, Dhruv was only 5 feet tall. On his 14th birthday,
his height is 5 feet 10 inches.
3. List factors that affect growth.
4. The teenager should take nutritious diet, because............
5. Arun is worried because he is not as tall as others in his
class. How will you dispel such unnecessary anxiety?
6. Prepare a worksheet writing the response in following
things.
(a) Who all would you include as a support system in case
of any problem to be sexual harassment? Think of both
people and institutions.
(b) Why have you included them people/institutions as a
safety net?

Safety
Net

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Chapter-2 Growing up with confidence.indd 28 08-11-2016 11:05:40 AM
 Growing up with Confidence 29

7. Why is psychological security necessary for a growing

adolescent?
8. “Communication between parent and the adolescent
child is critical for his/her health.” Why?
..............................................................................
..............................................................................
9. Give at least two reasons of substance abuse by
adolescents.
(a) ..............................................................................
(b) ..............................................................................
10. Why is it necessary to discard the myth that ‘women are
the weaker sex’? Give three reasons.
(a) ..............................................................................
(b) ..............................................................................
(c) ..............................................................................
11. In dealing with the following challenging situations
whom should adolescents approach and why?
(a) bullying
(b) discrimination by grandmother
(c) sexual abuse
12. “Growing up with confidence is not a myth.“ Explain”
13. Write a paragraph in your own words why “growth” is
necessary for all living beings including humans.
14. What is depression. Give three symptoms.
15. Explain the difference between drug abuse and use with
the help of examples.

Project
1. Organise a debate in the class on the topic “Growth is natural so all teenagers grow
and behave in the same way”.
2. Conduct a survey in your neighbourhood picking up 20 boys and 20 girls and
prepare a report on their height and weight. How many are overweight? How
many are under weight?
3. Why do you think that both boys and girls should be given equal opportunities
in life? Give three arguments in favour.
(a) ...........................................................................................................
(b) ...........................................................................................................
(c) ............................................................................................................
4. When heredity defines limits of growth and development, why bother about the
environment? Give three arguments against this statetement.
(a) ..........................................................................................................
(b) ..........................................................................................................
(c) ..........................................................................................................

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Chapter-2 Growing up with confidence.indd 29 08-11-2016 11:05:40 AM