You don't say?

Reports on the outcome of a University of Michigan research on gossiping among preteen boys. Comparison with preteen girls; Average number of gossips per hour; Topics discussed.

By PT Staff, published on November 01, 1995

GOSSIP

Pssst! Did you hear? Gossip is anything but an all-female sport. Researchers at the University of Michigan report that preteen boys talk about others just as much as their female counterparts.

In a study of nine-to- 12-year-olds at sleepaway camp, preteens of both sexes gossiped an average of 18 times an hour. That included "good" gossip like "She's a genius," as well as the spicier character-assassination variety.

But there are gender differences. Pairs of girls gossip more as they become close friends, while boy gossip is less common between pals. And girls are more likely than boys to talk about a member of the opposite sex that they "like."

PHOTO (COLOR): Not just for girls: Gossip