Adolescence means both "a period" and "a process" during which a child becomes mature in terms of his/her attitudes and beliefs for effective participation in society.

$\rightarrow$ The period between $12-18$ years of age may be thought of as adolescence period.

$\Rightarrow$ Adolescence is a bridge linking childhood and adulthood.

$\Rightarrow \quad$ It is accompanied by several biological and behavioral changes.

Adolescence is a very vulnerable phase of mental and psychological development of an individual.