Teens Reaching Their Greatest Potential
During the blossoming springtime of May, the nation turns its attention to teen pregnancy prevention. Fortunately, there has been a significant decline in teen pregnancy rates in the U.S since the late 1980s. Though the overall cause of the decrease in teen pregnancy is unknown, researchers believe it is due to the increased use of birth control and sexual education. Nevertheless teen pregnancy prevention is still a top concern since U.S teen pregnancy rates are highest globally.
National trends and and levels in pregnancy 1973-2017
The importance of Prevention:
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention month not only focuses on the prevention of pregnancy in teens, but also highlights the importance of adolescents reaching their greatest potential. Teen pregnancy is typically found in adolescents 13-19 years old but girls as young as 10 have experienced pregnancy in the U.S. Teenage parents may suffer with long lasting effects of pregnancy including, lower self esteem, lack of resources to promote a healthy emotional development for both teen parents and child, being less likely to graduate high school, and financial distress for years to come. By engaging with communities, educating and supporting teens, we can provide a safe space for teens to thrive and reach their greatest potential.
The Importance of the Sex Talk with Parents:
Many of us think that discussing sex with children will lead them to increase their level of sexual activity. This is not the case and in fact it is the opposite! According to teens surveyed by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teens reported that their parents have the strongest impact on their decisions about sex - more than the media, siblings, or friends. Research shows that teens who talk with their parents about sex, relationships, birth control and pregnancy:
Begin to have sex at a later age.
Use condoms and birth control more often if they do have sex.
Have better communication with their parents and romantic partners.
Have sex less often.
Note that important aspects of communication also have an impact. This includes:
What is said
How it is said
How often it is said
How much the teen feels nourished, loved, cared for, and understood by their parents
Teen pregnancy resources and information:
Birth Control: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/healthservice
Resources for positive youth development and adolescent development explained: https://opa.hhs.gov/NTPPM
Sexual health and rights: https://plan-international.org/
Engaging Young Men: https://www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/about/educating-engaging-young-men-reproductive-health.htm
CitationsMaddow-Zimet I and Kost K, Pregnancies, Births and Abortions in the United States, 1973–2017: National and State Trends by Age, New York: Guttmacher Institute, 2021, https://www.guttmacher.org/united-states/reports"About Teen Pregnancy | CDC". Cdc.Gov, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/about/index.htm.As-Sanie, Sawsan, et al. “Pregnancy Prevention in Adolescents.” American Family Physician, 15 Oct. 2004, www.aafp.org/afp/2004/1015/p1517.html.
