Children, Adolescents and School Health: Toward Future Public Health

Adolescents, youth, and young; these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. The definition of adolescence varies across countries and cultures, but generally begins with and implies the biological changes of puberty and ends with the adoption of adult responsibilities and social roles. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescents as those people between 10 and 19 years of age [1]. The great majority of adolescents are, therefore, included in the age-based definition of “child”, adopted by the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a person under the age of 18 years. However, in general, adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood. Adolescence is described as a period of significant physical, emotional, and social changes, presenting new health risks as well as unique opportunities for health promotion.