A Study of Manifestation Period of Sex Character Among Elementary Student in Cheon-an

천안지역 초등학생의 2차 성징 발현 시기에 대한 연구

Objective : In order to educate juveniles with proper sex education and to present advisable sexual culture among them, we researched the revelation age and duration period of secondary sex characteristics of 5th and 6th elementary student in Cheon-an, and compared them with their mother's case. Method : We did a survey among 5th and 6th grade elementary student in Cheon-an, which includes pictures presenting, different stages of breasts and pubic hair development. Results : Results show that in girls, average menarche age was 11.47 while the average of their mother's was 14.25. 3 years of decline was observed. On boys, average pubic hair development age was 11.42, similar to the average age of voice change, 11.43. Girls showed relatively earlier distribution of pubic hair manifestation age of 11.39, than in boys, which was 11.42. Concerning the sexual maturity, 99% of girls were over B2, while 43% of boys were over PH2. Almost all of the female participants manifested secondary sex characteristics, and half of them were in the stage of pubic hair development. Conclusion : We observed that the average age of manifesting secondary sex characteristic among elementary students is getting younger and especially, menarche age of young girls is significantly showing downward tendency compared to their mothers'. Sex education in elementary schools should be carried out considering the development stage of secondary sex characteristics among students.