This paper reports on research from the Longitudinal Study of Australian children, in which parents of children were interviewed over time, and asked questions on puberty, behaviour, emotional, social and school functioning. 

Lead researcher, Dr Fiona Mensah, says the study provides new evidence of pre-existing and persistent early childhood differences in socio-emotional well being amongst children who experience early puberty. 

“There is a heightened risk for behaviour and emotional problems during puberty; and children who reach puberty earlier than their peers have more of these difficulties in adolescence.”  

Professor George Patton says the study supports a ‘life course’ hypothesis.

“Understanding what lies behind early puberty may also tell us much about the origins of emotional and behavioural problems of children and adolescents.”

The study was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

George Patton was interviewed by the ABC. To listen to the interview click here.

 Fiona and George write Conversation piece