Experts have recorded an acceleration of puberty in Russian children
Hormonal changes in modern children can begin earlier than it was commonly believed a few years ago: signs of puberty in some girls appear as early as 8-10 years old. All the details are in the Izvestia article.
Postponement of puberty dates
Gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound diagnostics doctor, chief physician of LLC Medical Center ARklinik Lilia Afanasyeva noted that the launch of hormonal changes in children is now two to three years earlier than generally accepted standards. If in the 2010s the age of 12-13 years was considered the beginning of puberty, today these processes are recorded as early as 8-10 years. The age range for girls is now considered to be from 8 to 13 years old, and for boys — from 9 to 14 years old.
"Increasingly, we are witnessing an alarming trend: physiological and hormonal changes in Russian children are triggered on average two to three years earlier than was considered the norm 10-15 years ago," Afanasyeva said.
The doctor calls the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in girls earlier than eight years old a reason to consult an endocrinologist. The specialist emphasized that the availability of systemic clinical recommendations on premature development at the Ministry of Health level confirms the importance of the problem for healthcare.
Causes and risks of acceleration
One of the reasons is the influence of the digital environment. The blue light from smartphone screens suppresses melatonin, which disrupts circadian rhythms and the balance of reproductive hormones. The constant change of emotions from the content leads to surges of dopamine and an increase in cortisol. Afanasyeva explained that in a state of chronic stress, the body can force adulthood.
Premature maturation carries health risks in adulthood. Among them are early growth arrest due to the closure of bone growth zones, the risk of developing polycystic ovaries and oncological diseases. Afanasyeva added that such changes require increased attention from both doctors and parents.
Psychological aspects of growing up
Psychologist, neuropsychologist, educational psychologist Anna Kiryushina emphasizes that such children remain neurobiologically immature. Despite the external changes, they are not able to fully plan their actions and control their impulses. This creates a gap between the physical appearance and the real possibilities of the child's psyche.
"Physiologically, psychologically, such a child is not capable of controlling his own impulses, is not capable of risk assessment and planning," Kiryushina said.
Recommendations to parents
The psychologist advises developing self-regulation skills through reading, board games, and sports. Kiryushina recommends not to fill the child's boredom with content, but to teach him to wait, which activates the prefrontal cortex of the brain. It is important to offer an alternative to gadgets: cooking together, walking or creativity, where the result is tangible physically.
Experts also point to the importance of trusting relationships and sex education. The child needs to be taught the rules of personal boundaries and be prepared to answer any questions, including topics about sexualized information on the Web.
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