The focus of the article is not on hidden indicators of sexual development, but on the social indicators that are visible despite clothing.
A girl with breasts becomes a sexual object to many boys and men. The attraction they show to her can be extremely disrespectful. She might become an object of derision to girls if she precedes them in development.
A boy who is tall, broad-chested and deep-voiced gains status among boys. He is a more formidable athlete and competitor. Girls may admire him and be attracted to him, but they generally don’t isolate his parts and turn him into a piece of meat.
The article didn’t go into much detail about the social factors that the researchers (both in Hong Kong and the U.S.) might have associated with the increase in depression. It would be interesting to know how similar the social environments of pre-teens/teens in Hong Kong and the U.S. are.
I don’t think you’re going to get much support here for the contention that females should have a choice other than to accept unwelcome sexual attention/contact. We are expected to consider it a compliment and to respond either positively or with silent submission.