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Understanding Voice Breaking: A Teen's Guide

Every teenager goes through several developmental changes during puberty, one of which includes the well-known phenomenon of voice breaking. Voice breaking, primarily seen in boys, refers to the period during which a boy's voice changes from that of a child to that of an adult. This voice transition is not exclusive to males, as females also experience changes in their voice box during puberty, but the changes are more subtle and less dramatic than those experienced by males.

What Causes Voice Breaking?

Voice breaking is caused by changes in the larynx (voice box). During puberty, the larynx grows larger and thicker in boys primarily due to an increase in testosterone, a male sex hormone. This growth leads to longer and thicker vocal cords, the parts of the larynx responsible for sound production. When vocal cords grow, they lower the pitch of the voice. For girls, the changes in the larynx and vocal cords are less pronounced and hence result in less dramatic changes.

Initially, as the vocal cords and larynx are in the process of growing, the voice can fluctuate wildly. Boys may notice that their voice suddenly squeaks or that they can hit lower pitches than before. Eventually, the voice settles into a deeper, more stable tone, typically over a couple of months to a few years.

How Does Voice Breaking Impact a Young Person?

Voice breaking can be a bewildering experience. Teenagers might feel embarrassed when their voice squeaks unexpectedly, especially when speaking in public or social situations. It can also be a time of self-consciousness, as teens might feel that everyone is noticing the changes in their voice.

Beyond the physical changes, voice breaking signifies the onset of adolescence and can profoundly impact a teen's self-identity and confidence. For many young people, these changes highlight their transformation into adulthood, bringing a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Practical Strategies for Managing Voice Breaking

Coping with the changes caused by voice breaking involves both physical and psychological strategies. Here are several practical ways to handle voice breaking more smoothly:

1. Understand and Accept the Process

Knowledge is power. Understanding that voice breaking is a normal part of growing up can help teens accept this temporary phase. It's also helpful to know that everyone goes through it and that it doesn't last forever.

2. practise Good Vocal Hygiene

Drinking plenty of water and avoiding substances that can irritate the vocal cords, such as caffeine and overly spicy foods, can help manage voice fluctuations. It's also advisable to avoid shouting or straining the voice.

3. Vocal Exercises

Engaging in light vocal exercises can help manage and adapt to voice changes. Simple tasks like humming or practicing scales can help stretch and strengthen the vocal cords.

4. Speak Slowly and Clearly

When the voice is unpredictable, speaking slowly and clearly can help maintain control over the tone and pitch. This practise not only helps in clearer communication but also reduces instances of voice cracking.

5. Share and Communicate

Discussing experiences with peers who are going through the same changes can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation or embarrassment. It helps to hear that others are facing similar challenges.

6. Maintain a Sense of Humour

Accepting that voice cracks can sometimes lead to humorous situations, and learning to laugh along can ease the tension around voice breaking. It's important for teens to remember that this phase is temporary and completely normal.

Conclusion

Voice breaking is a natural part of adolescence and marks a significant milestone in the journey to adulthood. While it can pose some social and personal challenges, understanding and managing the process of voice breaking can make this transitional phase easier. By practicing good vocal hygiene, engaging in appropriate exercises, and maintaining open communication, teenagers can navigate these changes confidently and with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.