Our free newsletter
offers tips and tools
you need to create
a happier and
healthier family!

Categories


All Articles
CALL: (888) 972-7736

Television show influences teen pregnancy

By Staff Writer

Since MTV's television series 16 and Pregnant aired in 2009, professionals have wondered whether it would actually deter teens from getting pregnant. While the show demonstrates the troubles teen moms go through, some individuals feel that since the youths receive the fame of having their own reality television show, it also glamorizes teen childbirth.

However, calling it the "MTV effect," a new study by the Public Religion Research Institute shows that people who watch the show are more likely to support abortion than the general public. While 65 percent of the program's viewers say that abortion should be legal, about 56 percent of the general public feel this way. This may be the result of watching teens deal with issues like debt, abusive relationships and drug abuse after having children.

Although the teen pregnancy rate is currently declining in the U.S., many youths are still engaging in dangerous activities. According to the 2010 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, about half of high school seniors are sexually active.

Parents who are worried that their daughter may become pregnant can research the option of enrolling her in a therapeutic boarding school.

Share |