Scientists believe that modern childhood ends at the age of 12. A survey proves it, too, as many parents feel that their children are no longer childlike by that age. The new generation is being put under pressure to grow up faster. This means that girls at 10 years old are worrying more about their weight and makeup, and boys are being pushed into “macho” behavior.
Bright Side has collected a list of reasons why today’s generation is maturing faster and how this fact will change our world in the future.
In recent years, the chemical industry has reached a new level of development, and this progress has made our lives easier. But many cosmetics and personal care products contain elements that can negatively affect our bodies.
According to research, some chemicals mimic estrogen and may speed up puberty. The main culprits are elements that are used as preservatives in cosmetics, scented products, and personal care products. Children exposed to these chemicals before birth may hit puberty earlier. Growing kids may also be especially vulnerable, as they’re exposed to such everyday care products.
A high-fat diet in childhood can lead to early puberty. The culture of nutrition in modern kids leaves much to be desired. Fast food is typically high in sugar, salt, and saturated or trans fats. This, in turn, leads to obesity. Recent studies show that childhood obesity and precocious puberty are inseparable.
The new generation consumes vast amounts of information every day through social media. Modern influencers, music, fashion, and media culture force kids to grow up faster. For this reason, children start worrying about their appearance and weight at an early age.
Scientists are starting to see the connection between early puberty, mass pollution, and sedentary lifestyles, which is the result of climate change. A harsher climate can cause children to spend much more time inside instead of being active outside. That lifestyle reduces the amount of melatonin, which then triggers the body to move into puberty.
Nowadays, kids spend much more time inside, mostly thanks to technology. The Internet became a research area for them instead of active free play. Isolation and lack of active free play contribute to increased levels of stress. Stress in early childhood leads to faster maturation of certain brain regions during adolescence.
Early puberty may increase the risk of problematic behavior in young adolescents. The risk might be related to friendships because those who mature early appear to be more vulnerable to peer influences than non-early maturers. But parents might be able to step in and prevent such problems, according to what researchers say.
Which facts did you find most interesting? What are the distinctive features of your childhood? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.
When was this written, by a boomer a decade ago? We have seen the research on the effects of fast food, chemicals in products and screen time. This is old news. Give parents of today credit. Create a poll and I’m certain that parents of today, who have the proper support system (financial, etc), strive to eat fresher food and get back to going outside WITH their kids. (If you can’t do it yourself, then getting the children involved will be a problem)
