Is Your 17-Year-Old Developing Normally? (2024)

While many 17-year-olds are looking forward to their future beyond high school, others might feel apprehensive about entering the adult world. Even parents or caregivers may experience stress and uncertainty as their child approaches the 17-year-old mark.

As your 17-year-old moves toward such milestones as high school graduation and sending them off to college, you may wonder if you have done everything you can to prepare them for life outside of your home. Consider their development and assist them accordingly to make sure they are prepared for the real world.

17-Year-Old Language and Cognitive Milestones

By the age of 17, most teens have good organizational skills. As a result, they can successfully juggle extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and schoolwork. However, even though many 17-year-olds think they are adults, their brains still have not yet fully developed. So while they may have skills toregulate their impulses, they may also behave recklessly.

"Theoretically, 17-year-olds are developing more abstract thought but that is not solidified until more college-age," says Ellen S. Rome, MD, MPH, head of the Center for Adolescent Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Children's. "Consequently, they may do well with some areas of their life and not so well in others."

Most 17-year-olds also are thinking about their future by now and may start to establish more concrete plans after high school whether that includesplans for college, employment, or the military.

Fluid intelligence also is reached around this age, which means 17-year-olds have an improved ability to cope with new problems and situations.

As for communication, most 17-year-olds can communicate like adults. However, they may not ask for clarification or speak up when they do not understand a word or the meaning of a phrase.

Slangalso is common among teens and may have more meaning than formal language at this age.

17-Year-Old Physical Development

Most males and females are fully developed by their 17thbirthday. They have completedpubertyand reached their full height.However, biological males may continue to develop physically, especially if they are late getting started.

"Most males and females will continue to gain weight even if they are not getting taller," says Dr. Ebersole.

Males also may grow more facial and underarm hair and their voices may continue to deepen as well.Body image issuesare common at this age as some teens are not pleased with the physical changes they have endured. Acne is also common.

"Metabolism has slowed by late puberty to more adult ranges, so sporadic eating is more of a challenge at this age," says Dr. Rome. "Establish good sleep and eating habits and some sort of workout schedule so that as they graduate from high school sports, they still have a personal wellness plan."

17-Year-Old Emotional and Social Milestones

Turning 17 represents an interesting fork in the road for many teens. Some of them take off on a smooth path toward adulthood. They become increasingly responsible and they are eager tobecome independent.

Others, however, may be feeling less confident about the realities of pending adulthood. They may even feel lost and confused over the future.Teens this age also may even struggle to showresponsibilitywith their homework,chores, and daily responsibilities. Mental health problems like anxiety and depression are also common.

"Let your teen know that it is okay to make mistakes," suggests Dr. Rome. "In fact, you want them to make mistakes that are not life-threatening or catastrophic. Instead of being a helicopter parent or a snowplow, ask them what they learned from their mistake or poor choice."

For the most part, a 17-year-old's moods are calmer than they were in earlier teen years. This is due to fewer hormonal shifts and an increased sense of control. But that does not mean teens will not struggle with their emotions when they face a big problem. Whether they are dealing with a broken heart or acollege rejection letter, many 17-year-olds are dealing with adult-sized problems for the first time.

Many 17-year-olds aregoal-oriented. They are beginning to imagine what type of life they want to create beyond high school. Be sure you are allowing your teen the space to figure out who they are and what they want to do.

Your teen may spend the vast majority of their free time with friends and when they're home, they may prefer to be in their room alone. The parent-teen relationship may shift a little during this age as well. For some, that may mean growing apart from their parents as they gain independence, but for others, it may growing closer to their parents as their desire to be rebellious fades away. Either way, keep the lines of communication open and offer support and encouragement as needed.

Other Milestones for Your 17-Year-Old

Seventeen-year-olds may be experimenting with a variety of experiences for the first time. Some of them are getting adriver’s licenseif they have not already and possibly even a car. Others are getting part-time jobs while others may be engaging in riskier behaviors. Some may even be experimenting with unprotected sex, alcohol, or drugs.

And for some teens, age 17 is the first time they date or experience a serious romantic relationship—and perhaps even theirfirst heartbreak.

How To Help Your 17-Year-Old Learn and Grow

Help your teen focus on making healthy choices like eating nutritiously or exercising rather than dwelling on their appearance. You also should discourage extreme dieting or bulking up.More than 50% of high school students who identify as female are concerned about their weight and are engaged in dieting, so it's important to promote positive body image.

You also should do what you can to promote your teen's independence and autonomy. Allowing your teen to drive a car, get a job, andstay home alone for the nightare just a few steps toward becoming an independent adult.However, it is just as important to rein them in—especially if they aremaking poor choices or taking too many risks.

"Seventeen-year-olds are a step away from flying the nest," says Dr. Rome. "As a result, parents should gradually increase responsibility. Make sure they know their way around the kitchen, how often sheets and towels should be washed, as well as how to manage their finances. You don't want them heading off to college naive about their credit rating."

You also should establish clear rules aboutdatingand talk often about healthy relationships, safe sex, consent, and dating.

How To Keep Your 17-Year-Old Safe

Substance abuse, safe driving, sexual activity, and mental health issues continue to be top safety concerns for kids this age, says Dr. Ebersole. In fact, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey, 38% of high schoolers had sex in high school, more than 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were reported in young people ages 15 to 24, and nearly 180,000 babies were born to teens between 15 and 19 years of age.

"Many teens this age are sexually active," says Dr. Ebersole. "Make sure you are aware of their sexual needs and keep in mind that they may need to see a health care provider."

If you suspect that your teen is sexually active, make sure you are talking about the importance of consent as well as safe sex. You also may want to discuss birth control with them and provide them with some tips on safe dating.

When To Be Concerned About Your 17-Year-Old

If the thought of sending your 17-year-old out into the real world within the next year terrifies you, you are not alone. Many parents can't imagine their teens navigating the adult world independently. But often, there's a lot of growth between 17 and 18 years old.

If your teen seems especially ill-equipped for the realities of adulthood, you might want to talk to a health care provider. You also should be concerned if you see major changes inyour teen’s moodor behavior. A decline in grades, changes in sleep habits, or a change in weight or appetite are just a few symptoms that could indicate a mental health issue or another underlying problem.