Tween to Teens Puberty Talk
Puberty is one word: CHANGE. Friendships change, bodies change, moods change, and the relationship with parents changes too. In this warm, funny and honest presentation, Jonny walks tweens and their families through what's actually happening — physically, socially and emotionally — so students feel prepared, normal and confident instead of confused or embarrassed. Delivered with humour, real stories and practical takeaways for both students and parents.
What students walk away with
Every young person's biggest question is 'Am I normal?' — Jonny answers it with honesty, humour and science.
What's happening in the brain and body during puberty, and why it starts at different times for different people.
Growth spurts, shape changes, hair, skin, sweat — what to expect and how to look after yourself.
Handling big feelings, mood swings and the pressure to 'fit in' during the tween-to-teen shift.
Why the best relationships look like friendships first — and why there's no rush to date.
How to keep the relationship with mum and dad strong even when everything else is changing.
Building self-worth so students know their value isn't defined by their body, their peers or their mistakes.
By the end of the session, students walk away understanding that puberty is a healthy, normal part of becoming an adult — and parents leave with practical language and confidence to keep the conversation going at home.
The presentation
Puberty = Change
The best word to describe puberty is CHANGE. Friendships change, the relationship with parents changes, and the body changes — all at once. Jonny normalises this shift with stories, humour and honesty so students feel less alone and more prepared.
The Timing of Puberty
- Puberty starts in the brain before the body — driven by the hypothalamus
- Girls typically start between 8–12 years
- Boys typically start between 10–13 years
- Puberty lasts around 5–6 years
- Everyone develops at a different pace — and that is completely normal
Physical Changes
Students learn what to expect and why it's healthy — growth spurts of 20–25cm in two years, hands and feet growing first, shape changes for boys and girls, body hair, skin changes and pimples, sweat and personal hygiene, plus age-appropriate coverage of wet dreams and erections for boys.
Fuelling a Changing Body
Why nutrition, sleep, water and exercise matter more than ever during puberty — practical habits students can start today to feel and function at their best.
Social & Emotional Changes
The second half of the talk unpacks the emotional side of puberty — identity, self-worth, the 'Am I normal?' question, and building the belief that with time and effort, anything can be learned.
Friendships, Crushes & Relationships
Why the average age for dating is 16, why there's no rush, and how the best relationships are built on friendship first. Practical tips for making friends: be friendly, be encouraging, be yourself.
The Changing Relationship with Parents
Introducing 'individuation' — the healthy process of becoming your own person. Why tension with parents is normal, and one simple mindset shift that transforms the parent-teen relationship: talk to your parents like you actually like them.
Self-Worth (The $5 Note)
Using Jonny's famous $5 note illustration, students learn that no matter what has been said or done to them, their value never changes. A powerful anchor for confidence heading into the teenage years.
For Parents
This talk can be delivered as a student-only session or as a combined parents-and-students evening. Parents walk away with practical language, an understanding of adolescent brain development ('use it or lose it'), and tips on how expectations, encouragement and keeping kids busy shape the teenage years ahead.
Learning Outcomes
Students will understand the physical, social and emotional changes of puberty, feel reassured that their experience is normal, and leave with practical strategies for hygiene, friendships, self-worth and communicating with their parents.
Curriculum alignment
This presentation is tailored to the audience depending on age & outcomes and follows the Australian curriculum according to Educational Analysis and Consulting.
- • Investigate resources and strategies to manage changes and transitions associated with puberty (ACPPS052)
- • Examine how identities are influenced by people and places (ACPPS051)
- • Practise skills to establish and manage relationships (ACPPS055)
- • Recognise how media and important people in their lives influence personal attitudes, beliefs, decisions and behaviours (ACPPS057)
- • Investigate the impact of transition and change on identities (ACPPS070)
- • Evaluate strategies to manage personal, physical and social changes that occur as they grow older (ACPPS071)
- • Analyse factors that influence emotions, and develop strategies to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity (ACPPS075)
- • Investigate and select strategies to promote health, safety and wellbeing (ACPPS073)
What educators say
Jonny made a topic that could be awkward feel completely normal. Our students were engaged the whole way through and parents thanked us for weeks.
The perfect balance of humour and honesty. Our Year 6 students walked out feeling prepared for what's ahead instead of anxious about it.
The parent evening was the highlight of our year. Families are actually talking about this stuff at home now — that's the real win.
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