Children who go through puberty rapidly are at risk of STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be potentially deadly if they go untreated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 are particularly susceptible to contracting these infections. Unfortunately, it is also becoming more common for children younger than 15 to develop STDs. 

Recently, a study by researchers at Penn State, Duke University and the University of California, Davis, have found that children who experience puberty at a faster rate are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.

"By using a novel statistical tool to simultaneously model the timing and tempo of puberty in children, we present a much more comprehensive picture of what happens during adolescence and why behavior problems may ensue as a result of going through these changes," said study author Kristine Marceau.

The scientists discovered that this population of children do not have enough time to adjust emotionally to the physical changes that are happening to them, which leads to acting out and dangerous behavior. This suggests that children who go through puberty rapidly may need to be educated on the dangers of STDs at a younger age than others.