Puberty Coming Earlier Than We Thought

Posting Date: 01/06/2003

Original Posting: 1/6/2000

INTRODUCTION

They say, kids grow up faster today than ever before. But for many girls that is more than just a saying. Some girls are reaching puberty earlier than we ever thought possible.

DEAN EDELL, M.D.

"The old sex education movies look quaint and outdated, especially compared to what surrounds us today on movies and television.

"Today's sexual imagery makes sex education even more important, since kids need to have accurate information to deal with the urges of their growing bodies.

"Most sex ed. classes that discuss condoms or birth control methods for the first time don't usually begin until kids are entering junior high at twelve or thirteen. Well, the American Academy of Pediatrics just issued a report that found that may be years too late for many young girls.

"Lizzie Prindle is learning all about her changing body with her mom Angela. She's only a fifth grader, but last year, at the age of 9 she started showing the first signs of puberty.

LIZZIE PRINDLE/STARTED PUBERTY AT AGE 9

"I noticed my breasts were getting bigger and changing..."

DEAN EDELL, M.D.

"Something she didn't expect quite so soon."

ANGELA MASON/LIZZIE'S MOTHER

"I was surprised, I thought really that, 12 was the magic number, but it's nine or 10, it's not 12 anymore."

DEAN EDELL, M.D.

"In fact, 12 is still the magic number with respect to when most girls start their periods, but what seems to have changed is when girls show the first signs of puberty. A recent study found 15 percent of Caucasian girls and 48 percent of African American girls by age 7 or 8 had begun puberty, meaning breast development and pubic hair."

WALTER MILLER, M.D./UCSF DEPT. OF PEDIATRICS

"There are many normal girls who will start at even younger ages, all the way down to 6 for Afro-Americans and 7 for Caucasians."

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