Everything You Need To Know About 16-Year-Old Child Development Milestones

Turning 16 is a big deal to most teens. Not only do 16-year-olds earn more legal freedom, but they are also becoming more cognizant of what they want to do in the future. Your teen's growth and development reaches new heights at this age and there are bound to be a few struggles along the way. 

Here we'll break down what your 16-year-old is experiencing developmentally, how to help them grow, and how to keep them safe.

16-Year-Old Language and Cognitive Milestones

At this age, your child is no longer simply thinking about their own life. In the mid-teen years, kids start to consider how the entire world works and how their life fits into it.

They also are mastering abstract thinking—that is, considering what could be and improving their reasoning and problem-solving skills during this time. But these skills are still not completely developed, says Ellen S. Rome, MD, MPH, who heads the Center for Adolescent Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Children's.

"The ability to foresee consequences is not completely hardwired at this age," Dr. Rome adds. "A 16-year-old might manage their job or homework well and even drive their car safely, but then not use a condom with their significant other."

One challenge many teenagers this age face is being overscheduled, which is not necessarily good for their development. They need free time to pursue interests and rest and relax without expectations.

"They also might be thinking spiritually and know what it means to love another person," says Ashley Ebersole, MD, MS, FAAP, an adolescent medicine physician with Nationwide Children's. "But, this also can be a challenging time because some 16-year-olds are susceptible to a phenomenon known as the Personal Fable, which is this belief that they are invincible or that it is OK for them to take a particular risk because they believe they are special."

16-Year-Old Physical Development

The differences in the level of physical development among sexes are more apparent around age 16. Biological females, who are likely almost done growing and developing, are starting to slow down in physical development, while biological males are sometimes just getting started.

"At 16, a female's body may very much replicate an adult female body while a male might still be developing and may notice more height growth and further development of facial hair," says Dr. Ebersole. "Adolescents this age also are expected to gain weight and experience a redistribution of fat patterns."

Dr. Ebersole indicates that many teenagers struggle with the idea of gaining weight at this age but stresses that it is completely normal for them to do so. Yet despite this fact, research shows that as many as 45% of females between ages 16 and 19 try to lose weight.

You might also see your teen sleeping longer and eating more to keep up with their growth. Shifts in their circadian rhythm may also cause them to stay up later at night and sleep later in the morning.

16-Year-Old Emotional and Social Milestones

A 16-year-old knows that adulthood is not far away, so they will start showing more independence and less conflict with their parents. They also will begin making decisions with that independence in mind. However, their choices may not always be right in the eyes of their parents.

"Sixteen-year-olds sometimes weigh the opinions of their peers over that of their parents," says Dr. Rome. "They won't always recognize the consequences of their decisions, but as Dr. Ken Ginsburg says, parents should be a lighthouse providing a beacon that guides teens toward safe harbor. In other words, parents set limits but allow kids to test the waters as long as their choices are not life-threatening."

If your child makes decisions that concern you, talk to them. Pay attention to changes in behavior, particularly if your teen seems sad or depressed, and reach out for professional help if necessary, suggests Dr. Rome.

Teenagers often have strong sexual desires and may become sexually active. Nearly 30 percent of high school students in the U.S. have had sex. At the same time, they might begin to understand more about sexual orientation and become aware of their preferences.

Sixteen-year-olds are entrenched in a social world that includes friendships and romantic relationships. They may spend less time with their families and more time with their friends or dating interests—or prefer to spend more time alone than they used to.

Other Milestones for Your 16-Year-Old

Most teenagers begin driving around age 16, but driving does have its own risks. Ensure your teen is mature enough to handle the responsibility of driving before teaching them to drive or handing over the keys.

"You also should have regular discussions about who they are going with, where they are going, and how they are getting there," says Dr. Rome. "You could even consider having your place become the space where your teen and their friends hang out. Although you can give them some freedom and space, they also should know you will be coming in periodically to refill the popcorn bowl so that you can get eyes on them."

You also might want to consider implementing some safe driving rules, such as limiting the number of passengers your teen can take in the car and using parental control and monitoring apps so that you know where they are. Keep in mind that accidents are one of the top causes of death for teenagers.

Dr. Ebersole suggests that you ensure that your teen knows how to be safe on the road, whether they are driving or riding as a passenger, and that they can call you to come get them if they ever feel unsafe.

How To Help Your Teen Learn and Grow

Being a 16-year-old is not easy for teens—or for parents or caregivers. But you can make this time period in their lives smoother by keeping the lines of communication open and educating them about the challenges they may be dealing with.

Talk about expectations, risks, and opportunities without shying away from tough topics such as drugs, alcohol, and sex. Make your rules clear by saying things like, “I trust that you will call me to pick you up if there's any drinking at the party.”

"Allow them a chance to voice their opinion," suggests Dr. Rome. "Problem-solve with them first, make suggestions second, and then agree on a plan. For instance, you can ask them what time they think would be a safe time to get the car home or how they believe different situations should be handled."

Continue strengthening your relationship with your teenager by showing interest in their life and praising their accomplishments. Let your teen fail sometimes, but make sure they have the skills to handle the discomfort of failure.

Also, talk to your teen about the pressure to have sex, regardless of their gender. Forbidding a romantic relationship or ignoring your child’s sexual growth could end up backfiring. Instead, make your expectations known and talk consistently and openly about topics such as sexual desire, sexting, and consent.

How To Keep Your 16-Year-Old Safe

Substance abuse is a significant risk at this age, says Dr. Ebersole. In fact, she indicates that she sees a number of young people who have engaged in vaping or juuling recently or used other substances in some way.

"Talk to your teen about the risks of smoking, vaping, drinking, and using drugs," says Dr. Ebersole. "For instance, a lot of kids don't understand that there is tobacco in a vape pen or they don't realize that there is a chemical inside."

Make sure you are giving them factual information without using scare tactics. Instead, educate them on the risks and communicate your expectations. Having ongoing conversations can add a layer of protection for your kids. And by all means, make sure you watch for signs of experimentation.

"This is an age and stage where smoking, drinking, and other forms of self-harm can become hardwired if it is not addressed," says Dr. Rome. "It is worthwhile to have frank conversations with your kids."

When To Be Concerned About Your Teen

Parents may be concerned for their teens at this age for two common reasons. First, you may worry that your child is not succeeding academically. Slipping grades might be displayed through a lack of organization or disengagement from the learning process.

Keep in mind that learning disabilities—like dyslexia, dysgraphia, or others—may have gone undiagnosed and can make it feel impossible for the child to succeed academically. Kids with learning challenges typically need different accommodations to help them learn, so you may want to have your child evaluated if they are struggling.

Secondly, around 16-years-old, parents often see warning signs for mental health issues or substance abuse problems, says Dr. Rome. If this is the case, contact a mental health professional or a health care provider immediately.

"Trust your instincts," she says. "If something doesn't feel right, it's worth looking into."