PIC Current

by Alexis Cala, PIC Current Assistant Producer

Courtesy of Gabi Menashe

In high school, while most teenagers are worrying about homework and who to take to the dance, others are becoming parents. Recent data shows that about one-third of girls in the U.S. are pregnant before age 20.

For 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 435,427 infants born to teenage mothers (aged 15-19). That’s a 3 percent increase in teen births after a 14-year decline.

While there is no definite reason for the increase in births, views on contraception and other factors can raise your teens risk for early pregnancy.

Some of these factors may include:

• Media influence: Movies, Internet, and television generally show teenage sex and pregnancy without any real consequences, such as unexpected pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. (read the full article on Reuters)
• Contraception use: (condoms, birth control, etc.) Recent data shows that the decline in teen pregnancy rates is mainly due to increased use of contraception. Unfortunately, U.S. teens are less likely to use contraception when compared to teens of several other countries. 
• Low self-esteem and poor grades: The anxiety of disappointing parents and themselves may lead to depression as well as behaviors that have a negative influence.
• Misinformation: A teen’s peers, school, etc. may provide information that is incorrect or confusing and can lead teens to make poor choices. Talking to your teens is the best way to avoid this.
• Poor family relationships: Stress at home and violence can have a very negative impact, especially on the brain of a developing teenager. Negative home environments can cause low self-esteem, failing grades, etc.

It is also important to remember that not all teens are having sex. Talking with your teenager instead of accusing them can help you start a conversation and weed out any half-truths.

The U.S. News and World Report asked a group of teenagers why they choose to remain abstinent. You might be surprised to find out that what you say to your teen doesn’t always go in one ear and out the other. Your opinion can have a direct impact on your teenager’s views about sex and pregnancy.

Reasons teens abstain from sex (in order):

1. Unwanted pregnancy
2. Sexually transmitted diseases
3. Their parent’s views
4. Sex education
5. Religion
6. Moral values
7. Reputation
8. Having friends who haven’t had sex

Even with many teens choosing to wait, teen pregnancy and birth rates in the U.S. are the second highest among 46 countries in the developed world. This may be a sign that we need more effective programs and parental involvement to help promote healthy decision-making among teenagers.

Currently, there are several programs that attempt to reduce the number of partners, delay initiation of sex, and increase contraception use among teens. However, even these programs may not teach your teen everything you want them to know. Talking about sex and pregnancy with your son or daughter as soon as possible can help them make the best decisions and give you a little peace of mind.

This talk can be a little uncomfortable. If you need some help take a look at these 10 Tips for Parents to Help Their Children Avoid Teen Pregnancy.

For more information, please visit:

Healthy Teen Network

The National Campaign

National Institute of Health

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