The study found that alcohol abuse, unprotected sex and self harm may result from children receiving information on these sensitive issues later than they ought to. This is because the age at which puberty occurs has reduced over the last 150 years.
The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reported the study. It said the gap from the time children develop into adulthood and when adult information is offered is currently the widest ever observed.
According to the report, there is, "an increasing gap between physical puberty - changes to their bodies - and social puberty - when they are able to make decisions for themselves".
Dr Mark Bellis, who led the research team, said, "Children who are now developing at an earlier stage need a different approach. Information often regarded as adult on sex, relationships and dealing with issues of conflict is currently given to them when it is too late."
Researchers say this could be explained by the delay in receiving adult advice. Some children can even develop problems with sexual health, substance abuse and violence not because they like it, but because they are not armed with sufficient information to address such issues.
