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]

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.