Some research has shown that preteens are hitting puberty at younger and younger ages.

It looks like technology is catching up with kids, or vice-versa: A new study finds that 1 out of 4 teenagers has texted or emailed nude pictures, and half have been asked for a naked photo.

The study, published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine online, concludes that parents just don't understand. According to a summary:

... Parents have insufficient information about the nature and importance of teen sexting ...

That's because sexting teens are more likely to be sexually active, according to the academics.

Researchers, including Jeff. R. Temple, of the University of Texas Medical Branch, asked nearly 950 14-to-19-year-olds about their texting behavior.

They found that a third of teens actually requested someone else to send a nude pic to them; most of those, of course, were boys.

Interestingly, white and African American kids were more likely to sext than other ethnicities (Latinos, Asian Americans).

The authors say that ...

... asking [adolescents] about sexting could provide insight into whether a teen is likely engaging in other sexual behaviors

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]