At what age do girls experience a development spurt compared to boys?

Girls typically experience a growth spurt earlier than boys during puberty, usually around ages 10 to 12. This physiological change marks a significant period of rapid growth primarily in stature. Boys, on the other hand, generally enter a similar growth spurt around ages 12 to 14. The biological factors contributing to this difference are influenced by hormonal changes, particularly the onset of estrogen in girls, which facilitates earlier physical development.

The importance of this timing is underscored by the broader context of human development, which reflects not only variance in growth rates but also implications for emotional and social development during these critical stages. Knowing the average age differences helps in understanding adolescent development, including psychosocial dynamics between genders at school and in peer interactions.