Puberty | Right Decisions

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

All children should learn about the changes at puberty for both boys and girls, to help understand what is happening to them and to their peers.

Puberty can be a distressing time for transgender and non-binary young people, who may feel even more out of place in their own body than they did before puberty changes started. In addition to open discussion and support from staff and carers, it may be helpful to have some discussion with a GP. Some young people will find peer support helpful; carers can connect them in with one of the support groups run by LGBT Youth. Groups and Support LGBT Youth

An overview of changes that happen to all children/young people. This is suitable for children age 9-13yrs to read and discuss with you or for you to read together - Puberty and your body | Childline

Emotional changes Puberty: Feeling Depressed, Happy and Other Emotions - YouTube (1min 45s)

Early or delayed puberty – information about reasons Early or delayed puberty - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Puberty changes for boys – for age 10-13 yrs

Top Signs Boys are in Puberty - YouTube (3min 24s)

Puberty, Body Odour and other changes for boys (from amaze.org 2min 33s)

Puberty changes for girls – information videos for age 9-12

Very short overview Top Signs Girls are in Puberty - YouTube (1min 57s)

Breast development and worries about it. This is a short video for a child/young person to watch and discuss with you. Does Breast Size Really Matter? - YouTube (3min)

See also Periods

Additional Support for Learning Needs – the national teaching resource has resources specifically designed for learners with additional needs: Learners with Additional Support Needs (ASN) - RSHP

This website is specifically about puberty and has lots of interactive games to help your discussions if your young person has additional needs: Planet Puberty

These two animations are for children whose first language is Vietnamese. The first video is about changes most girls experience and the second is about changes most boys experience. It is important that children learn about changes for boys and girls

Puberty in Girls (Vietnamese) (Duration 2min 42s)

Puberty in Boys (with Vietnamese subtitles) (Duration 3min)