Pre-adolescents are children typically aged between 9 and 12 years old. This stage marks the transition from childhood to adolescence, where they begin to experience significant physical, emotional, and social changes. They often develop a stronger sense of identity and start to form deeper friendships outside of their family. During this period, pre-adolescents may show increased independence and curiosity about the world. They often engage in more complex thinking and may start to explore interests in areas such as sports, music, or art. This age group is also when peer influence becomes more prominent, shaping their behaviors and choices.