The age of 12 can be considered a transitional phase between late childhood and early adolescence. In most cultures and developmental frameworks, the teenage years typically begin at age 13, and the age of 12 is still generally considered to be a part of late childhood.
Late childhood, also known as preadolescence, typically spans from around 9 to 12 years old. During this stage, children are still experiencing physical and cognitive changes, but they are not yet undergoing the more profound and rapid transformations associated with adolescence. Late childhood is a period of further skill development, social interactions, and preparation for the challenges of adolescence.
At age 12, children may start to exhibit some early signs of adolescence, such as increased self-awareness, curiosity about romantic relationships, and more significant changes in physical development (e.g., the onset of puberty in some individuals). However, the full range of adolescent experiences and challenges is generally not present until later in the teenage years.
It's important to recognize that the boundaries between childhood and adolescence are not rigid, and different individuals may exhibit varying degrees of maturity and development at the age of 12. The transition from childhood to adolescence is a gradual and individualized process, and there can be significant individual differences in how children experience this transition.