Height growth in children does not stop abruptly but progresses gradually, with a slow growth rate. The time when a child stops growing is not dependent on one fixed age, but primarily depends on bone age.

Biologically, height growth is driven by the continuous division and ossification of cartilage cells at the ends of long bones, such as the femur and tibia. On an X-ray, this cartilage region is visible as epiphyseal plates. When these plates gradually fade and fully ossify, the potential for height growth ends.

Boys experience significant height growth during puberty, particularly between 13 to 15 years old, after which the growth rate gradually slows. When the epiphyseal plates begin to ossify and close, typically around 16 to 18 years old (it can be later in some children), height nearly stops developing.

Typically, girls grow fastest between 10 to 12 years old, after which their growth rate gradually slows. After menstruation begins, a child's height usually increases by only about 5 to 7 cm over the next one to two years, before the epiphyseal plates gradually ossify and close, usually around 14 to 16 years old.

In your child's case, at 12 years old, he is still in the pre-pubertal stage, where the average height growth rate should still be about 5 to 6 cm annually. Prolonged slow height growth could be related to early bone development, nutritional deficiencies, lack of physical activity, or signal abnormal signs, such as endocrine disorders or neurological damage (like a brain tumor). A thorough examination is necessary.

Parents should not be complacent and need to monitor their child's growth scientifically. They should take their child to a pediatric or endocrine specialist to assess bone age, growth rate, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and hormones. Concurrently, ensure the child has a balanced diet with sufficient protein, calcium, and vitamin D, maintains regular physical activity—especially sports that help stretch bones—and gets adequate, timely sleep. Early detection and intervention at the right time can optimize height potential, especially when the epiphyseal plates have not fully closed.

Master of Science, Doctor Do Tien Son

Pediatrics Department, Tam Anh General Hospital