Teenagers are growing into young adults, but they still have to be monitored. Make sure yours is growing properly and meeting key social benchmarks. Check out these typical rates of growth and development for 15-17 year olds.

Teenagers Ages 15-17

Right Size: The average girl reaches a full height of 5’4” by age 17, if not earlier. Boys are generally 5’6” by age 15 and may be as tall as 5’10” by age 17.  Growth spurts are common in boys at age 15 or 16. Girls over 5’6” are considered tall and under 5’1” are considered short; boys under 5’5” by age 17 are considered short, and over 5’11” are considered tall.

Right Weight: Girls tend to weigh between 115-120 pounds on average and anything more than 160 pounds would be considered overweight. Boys tend to weigh 125 pounds at age 15 and 150 pounds by age 17; a 17-year-old weighing more than 190 may be considered overweight. In determining whether or not your child is overweight, remember that height is a big factor, and the best way to find out for sure is to check your child’s body mass index (BMI).

Right On Track:At this age, teens are testing the rules and questioning authority, as well as dealing with issues of independence. Because many either have driver’s licenses or friends that drive at this age, they are likely to engage in risky behaviors due to the new found freedom. Some warnings signs to look out for include a lack of self-confidence, a lack of close friendships or a lack of general enthusiasm.

Development Tracks for All Ages:

Right Weight, Right Size, Right on Track for 6-8 year olds [3]

Right on Track: Development Milestones for 9-11 Year Olds [4]

Is My Kid on Track? The Right Weight, Size and Social Skills for 12-14 Year Olds [5]