Adolescence has been described as the transition period in life when an individual is no longer a child, but not yet an adult. It is a period in which an individual undergoes enormous physical and psychological changes. It is a period of sexual and reproductive maturity.  The individual’s capacity for abstract and critical thinking also develops. 

The World Health Organization refers to people aged 10-19 years as adolescents. The term ‘young people’ refers to those between 10-24 years.  The United Nations definition of youth is those between the ages of 15-24 years.