Negative effects of early puberty in boys

Boys with early puberty may face a high risk of stunting, increased rates of depression, sexual abuse, being teased by friends, etc.

Early puberty exposes children to both physical and psychological changes. This is a difficult transition period for children. Symptoms of precocious puberty in boys usually appear before the age of 9, including changes such as genitals developing earlier than usual, children growing more hair, breaking voice... When in an unprepared mood Changes due to early puberty can cause children to suffer a number of negative effects such as shock, increased risk of depression, early sexual activity, substance abuse...

Increased risk of stunting : A child going through early puberty may at first be quite tall compared to their peers. However, children will stop growing in height earlier than their peers. This makes it difficult for children to reach their full potential height because the skeleton has stopped growing.

Early puberty can hold back boys from growing taller. Photo: Freepik

Behavioral changes : Precocious puberty can also put children at risk for early, age-inappropriate sexual activity. In addition, children may have more aggressive, short-tempered behavior.

Bullying, teasing : Teenagers are often very curious and notice the physical changes of their friends. Early puberty causes boys to have more hair, beards grow faster, genitals develop, voice breaks.... With these changes, children can be teased, even bullied at school.

Higher rates of depression and anxiety : Children with early puberty have higher rates of depression and anxiety than their peers. The risk of depression and anxiety tends to persist throughout puberty and increases during the college years.

High risk of substance use : Physical changes that mislead children into thinking they are adults. This myth urges children to have early access to stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, etc. to prove themselves. If left unchecked, early stimulant use can lead to abuse and addiction in children as adults.

Poorer academic performance : Some studies have found that boys with precocious puberty do worse in school than their peers. Their decline in academic performance can last through their high school years and possibly beyond.