Is it time for your 15-year-old's annual physical and health screening? This exam will cover a wide range of health issues, so it's helpful to talk it through with your teen ahead of time.
Here are key points to help you both feel prepared for the visit.
Key issues for 15-year-olds
- Self-image. In their mid-teens, your child continues to build a clearer sense of who they are. They're seeking new ways to
act independently, but may worry about success and social standing. Anxiety about school or
sports performance,
body image and more can interfere with sound sleep, healthy eating and regular self-care.
- Sex. Most 15-year-olds are curious about this aspect of adult life, and some have already started experimenting with sex. Open conversations about
pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and
body autonomy and
consent are important. Kids who identify as
LGBTQ+ may feel serious anxiety about these topics, especially if they haven't come out yet. A calm, non-judgmental approach helps your teen know they can talk to you about anything.
- Digital health. Too much screen time is unhealthy for young people. If you haven't created a
family media plan yet, this is a good time to start. Involve your teen in setting family-wide limits on
social media,
gaming, video streaming and other online activities. A conversation about safe and unsafe uses of
AI will benefit your child, too.
What to expect at your 15-year-old's yearly checkup
Many teens prefer to meet with the pediatrician on their own. Ask about your child's preferences and encourage them to make a list of questions they'd like to explore. (The doctor will make time for your questions and concerns as well.)
Your teen's doctor may ask:
Do you enjoy school? How do you feel you're doing in your classes?
Have there been
big changes in your life lately? (For example, moving to a new home or school, family issues like divorce, separation, serious illness or death)
Do you mostly
feel good about yourself? Any fears or worries you can't shake?
Do you have at least one trusted adult that gives you love and support?
✅ Immunizations
Pediatricians recommend a yearly
flu shot for children and teens. They may also recommend an updated
COVID shot. If your child hasn't had a vaccine for
meningitis, the doctor may recommend one to protect them from this life-threatening disease. Other immunizations might include a
Tdap booster for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). If you're
worried about vaccine risks, be sure to air your concerns. Your child's doctor can support you in making informed choices that feel right for your family.
Many 15-year-olds have already received the
human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, also known as Gardasil, which protects them from certain cancers and sexually transmitted diseases. This two-part vaccine can be started now. If you're worried about vaccine safety or the chance your teen will assume it's okay to start having sex, talk with your pediatrician. They can offer insights that may address your concerns.
Your 15-year-old's checkup will include a full physical exam. Tests might include a lipid profile to check for
high cholesterol and a vision screening if your child wears glasses or contact lenses.
Depending on your teen's overall health and other factors, the doctor might also test for:
Your doctor might ask:
✅ Emotional and mental health
The body and mind are one integrated system. This is why mental health is an essential part of your 15-year-old's checkup. The doctor may ask your teen:
Teens & depression
More than 1 in 5 teens in the U.S. struggle with
major depression. Risks are especially high between 15 and 19 years of age. If your teen is depressed, their sleep or eating habits may change dramatically. They might have frequent bursts of anger, crying or irritability, or spend more time alone than usual. Depressed teens may also lose interest in their favorite activities. If you're worried about your child's well-being, contact their doctor for support.
✅ Healthy eating
It's nearly impossible to know everything your 15-year-old eats or drinks. But you can support them by modeling and encouraging good choices. Healthy eating builds a strong body—with the bonus of
clearer skin and
brighter smiles.
Planning meals and snacks together can prevent power struggles over food. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and other nutritious choices should be front-and-center. What teens drink matters, too, so talk with them about the impact of
caffeine,
sports or energy drinks and
sugary options that can damage teeth and fuel unhealthy weight gain.
Your pediatrician will ask several questions about nutrition, including some that look for signs of
disordered eating. This does NOT mean the doctor assumes your child doesn't eat well or that you don't offer healthy food at home. It's simply a double-check for nutrition-related mental health conditions that can do serious harm if they're not treated early.
The pediatrician might ask your 15-year-old:
What foods do you really love to eat?
Are there any foods you would NEVER eat?
Do you skip meals sometimes? How often?
What's your favorite snack? Do you eat a lot between meals?
How much water do you drink?
Do you ever worry about your weight or body shape?
Do you brush your teeth every day? What about flossing?
✅ Safety
- Online. Teens spend lots of time
on the web, and they may know their way around parental filters.
Online predators,
porn sites,
sexting and other online activities can pose real risks. Your pediatrician will ask about these issues to see if your child needs more support, especially if they have had frightening experiences online.
- In their body. Concerns about
sexual abuse have prompted parents to talk about safe and unsafe touching, starting in elementary school. Sexual boundaries are still a relevant topic for your 15-year-old. At this point, the conversation should draw in new issues like
safe sex and
consent. Even if your teen has never had sex, they will benefit from an ongoing dialogue about it. Shutting the door on these subjects might force your 15-year-old to seek answers from friends, the web and other sources that aren't as loving and reliable as you are.
- At home.
Gun safety is a crucial topic for every family — not just those who own weapons. This is why your pediatrician may ask if your child has access to guns at home or at a friend's house. Safe gun storage can save lives and prevent injuries that lead to lifelong disability.Keeping teens safe at home also means protecting them near
home swimming pools and
trampolines. Families that live near lakes, rivers or beaches need to emphasize
water safety.
- Away from home. Teens spend most of their waking hours away from home. Knowing how to protect themselves from
sunburn is essential. Helmets, pads,
mouthguards and other athletic equipment are a must for keeping young bodies safe. If your 15-year-old is learning to drive, here are effective ways to
guide them toward road safety.
Although your 15-year-old craves freedom, they still need support with risky situations. This is where having a no-questions-asked policy can help. If your teen feels uncomfortable at a party, school event or other meetup, agree that you'll come get them, no questions asked. (Follow up later to learn what happened and offer judgment-free support.)
In discussing safety, your child's doctor may ask:
✅ After your visit: communicating with your child's doctor
Your teen's health is your pediatrician's #1 priority. When you're worried about a specific issue—from too little sleep to too much time alone—talk with your child's doctor. If needed, they can refer you to specialists who can address the issue that worries you. They can also help you find community health resources that will benefit you, your child and your family.
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