Boffins have supported a common assumption that aggression and disruptive behavior increase during pubescence.

The new research conducted by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, compared to early puberty, kids experiencing mid and late puberty are three to four times more likely to participate in violence with the purpose of gravely hurting someone.

The study, which was carried out on about 6000 pupils showed that boys and girls in early puberty were more likely to use bullying such as rumor starting but as puberty progressed, boys were more likely to act on violent instincts as compared to girls.

Troubles at home and associating with violent peers raised the chances of violence but only to a certain level.

Lead researcher Professor Sheryl Hemphill said, "It is difficult to untangle all the factors that contribute to this increase in violent behaviour."

"It is a combination of things that are a result of going through puberty such as physical, mental and social changes," Hemphill added.

The research also said that the alterations in physical size during puberty, particularly in boys, were a major cause of the increase in violence. As boys got stronger they had more ability to cause damage.

The research was released in the American journal Pediatrics. (With Inputs from Agencies)