· By Amy Walker
Teenage hormones: how puberty can affect your students’ mental health
We’ve all been there. You're trying to explain the causes of the English Civil War to your class, and two students start arguing. Or you're discussing Pythagoras’ Theorem, and someone launches a pen across the room.
It's easy to roll your eyes and think, "Teenagers." But there’s a lot more to it than that. By the time your students reach a certain age, a hurricane of hormones could be tearing its way through your classroom.
A chemical cocktail is profoundly altering your students' brains, throwing their emotions into chaos, crushing concentration, and leaving them feeling in a constant state of flux. And it’s you, standing at the front of the classroom, who has to manage the fallout.
Let’s ditch the idea that puberty is "just a phase”
Puberty is a seismic shift in our biological capabilities. It doesn’t just affect our bodies, but our entire mental wellbeing. So one minute a student may be fine, the next they're overwhelmed by feelings they can't even name.
Here’s how hormones could be affecting them:
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Anxiety and low mood: Fluctuations of oestrogen during the follicular phase of a person’s menstrual cycle can trigger ups and downs in mood, while voice breaking can lead to a dry throat and added insecurity. The pressure to fit in, those constant social media comparisons, and biology is creating a perfect storm.
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Impulsivity and risk-taking: Testosterone surges in particular can fuel impulsive behaviour and a need to take risks. Think sudden outbursts, reckless actions, and a general sense of restlessness in the classroom. This isn’t just because it’s a Friday afternoon, this is a brain in overdrive!
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Sleep deprivation: Hormonal changes can mess up your students’ sleep patterns, leaving them tired and struggling to concentrate. Some may also be battling an urge to stay up late, then needing to be in class early. It’s no wonder they’re feeling exhausted.
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Emotional rollercoaster: You may have noticed intense emotional reactions in some of your students. That’s because the part of our brains that helps us plan, organise ourselves and manage our emotions develops at a slower pace than the part that drives emotions, and won't catch up until they’re about 25.
What you can do to help
Here are some ideas for supporting your class as they undergo a biological revolution.
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Acknowledge the reality: It can be easy to accidentally dismiss a student’s feelings, especially if they’re acting up or disrupting the class. Recognise their struggle is real and validate their experience as much as you can.
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Create a safe space: Establishing a classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves is vital. Always encourage respect, recognise different perspectives, and respond supportively to student concerns.
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Be prepared: If it’s not already your specialist subject, learn about the hormonal changes during puberty and their impact on mental health, so you can recognise the signs of anxiety, low mood, or other things that might be affecting your students.
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Adapt your teaching: Be flexible. Recognise that students may have fluctuating attention spans and emotional states. Offer breaks, provide alternative tasks, and work around the needs of your class.
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Lean on your school's support system: Don't try to handle it alone. Work with school counsellors, designated safeguarding leads, tutors and other colleagues to support students.
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Be open: When it suits, create space for age-appropriate discussions around topics like puberty and mental health. Resources like kiin’s can help you break down stigma and promote empathy in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
When we understand what’s going on underneath, we’re better placed to respond with care, flexibility and encouragement – helping young people feel seen and supported as they grow. Because let’s get real. We have to work with teenagers and their hormones if we want to build positive relationships and teach effectively.