Gender stereotypes are firmly rooted in ###### youth by age 10, according to ###### global study Wednesday that warns such ###### can raise the risk of depression, ######, violence and HIV.

The investigation, which ###### 15 countries, suggested that vast amounts ###### money are wasted on stereotype prevention ###### for teenagers because efforts must begin ###### earlier.

"Adolescent health risks are shaped ###### behaviors rooted in gender roles that ###### be well established in kids by ###### time they are 10 or 11 ###### old," said Kristin Mmari, lead researcher ###### the qualitative research at the Global ###### Adolescent Study, a partnership between the ###### Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University.]]>
###### study included 450 early adolescents matched ###### a parent or guardian.

Interviews were ###### in Bolivia, Belgium, Burkina Faso, China, ###### Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, ######, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Scotland, South Africa, ###### United States and Vietnam.

Researchers found ###### gender stereotypes that emphasize female passivity ###### encourage abuse.]]>
Boys, on the ###### hand, are encouraged to spend time ###### of the home, unsupervised, to explore ###### world.

When it came to relationships, ###### were consistently viewed as being the ###### allowed to take the first step ###### in one city – Edinburgh, Scotland.

######, girls across the world are taught ###### their bodies are their key asset.]]>
Boys, too suffer ###### stereotypes that emphasize physical strength and ######, which can make them more susceptible ###### violence, substance abuse, and homicide.

While ###### is increasing acceptance for girls who ###### to dress or act like boys – particularly in Belgium, China, India and ###### United States – there is "almost ###### tolerance for boys" who push back ###### typical gender roles, said the report.

"###### who challenge gender norms by their ###### or behavior were by many respondents ###### as socially inferior," and were often ######, teased and beaten, it said. "We ###### children at a very early age – from the most conservative to the ###### liberal societies – quickly internalize this ###### that girls are vulnerable and boys ###### strong and independent," said Robert Blum, ###### of the Global Early Adolescent Study.

"###### this message is being constantly reinforced ###### almost every turn, by siblings, classmates, ######, parents, guardians, relatives, clergy and coaches."]]>