Socializing with older people "places these kids in difficult situations that they may not be cognitively able to handle," Piquero said, explaining that, although a 13-year-old may start hanging out with a 16-year-old, he or she "may not be at the 16-year-old level yet."
Lower levels of victimization were reported among teens from two-parent families -- as were 74 percent of the study participants -- those with more highly educated parents, and those who reported having higher levels of attachment with their parents. White teens also reported lower levels of victimization than did teens of other races, study findings indicate.
In light of the findings, Piquero said parents should "be aware of possible negative consequences" of early puberty. Although they may have no control over when their child experiences puberty, they should instill in their early-maturing child some "worldly knowledge," and inform them about the potential consequences of befriending older people, or people of the opposite sex, he said.
Sounds like good advice.
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