Studies have shown (I know, those words ...) that exposure to sexually-explicit media and sexual behavior is *one* factor in *some* instances of earlier onset of puberty. There's also a correlation with the residence of non-family-member males in the household (e.g., Mom's latest sex partner). There was some discussion of a hormonal mechanism; that is, actual causation rather than simply correlation.
The book that detailed all this, with footnotes, is called "Early Puberty," iirc, and it also observed that *weight* is the major factor in the lower average age of puberty.
And that, m'dear, makes sense. As opposed to the BS (to me) of sexually explicit stuff on TV.
While I realize my anecdotes are not science (nor are most studies) I'm the one seeing these girls on a regular basis, including my own daughter. One of the most physically developed of these girls is 12, is active in her church, and is homeschooled.
The book that detailed all this, with footnotes, is called "Early Puberty," iirc, and it also observed that *weight* is the major factor in the lower average age of puberty.
As you know, weight is not an issue in this household, there is none ;^)