61% of women who have children after enrolling in community college fail to finish their degree,
according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy in a February 2011 report called "Briefly... Relationships and Contraceptive Use Among Community College Students" based on interviews with about 100 students.
6% of students interviewed reported that they or their partner became pregnant in the six months between the initial interview and the follow-up interview.
11% of students interviewed reported that they or their partner had a pregnancy scare in the six months between the initial interview and the follow-up interview.
Talk to your pregnant daughter about these statistics. What are her thoughts about how to finish her education? Has she had pregnancy scares before she confirmed she was pregnant this time?
You may find it helpful to read the chapter "Completing School" in our book "How To Survive Your Teen's Pregnancy".
Want to talk about this post or other issues? Write a comment, or join us on Facebook!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Teen pregnancy in the media
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy released their "With One Voice" survey in December. Here are some results.
Teens spend considerable time consuming media—nearly 45 hours a week according to one credible estimate. Given all the time young people spend with media, it is not unreasonable to conclude that media helps shape the social script for teens. Many adults believe that the media has contributed mightily to a coarser, more sexualized culture that has, in turn, negatively influenced young peoples’ attitudes and beliefs regarding sex and related topics.
Most teens (79% of girls and 67% of boys) agree with the following statement: “When a TV show or character I like deals with teen pregnancy, it makes me think more about my own risk of becoming pregnant/causing a pregnancy and how to avoid it.” Did your pregnant daughter think her chances of teen pregnancy were high before she became pregant?
Three-quarters of teens (76%) and adults (75%) say that what they see in the media about sex, love, and relationships can be a good way to start conversations about these topics. Yet when asked, "How often would you say you and your parents have talked about sex, love, and relationships because of something you saw in popular media like television shows?" Only 14% of teens say their parents Often talk to them about sex, love and relationships because of something you saw in the media; 33% of teens say Sometimes; 33% say Rarely, and 19% say Never. Which category do you think you fit in? Which category do your kids think you fit in?
Among those teens who have watched MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, 82% think the show helps teens better understand the challenges of teen pregnancy and parenthood and how to avoid it. Have you watched this show with your family? Do you think it fairly shows the challenges of teen pregnancy and parenthood? What does your pregnant daughter think about the teen parents in the show? How does she think she will avoid or overcome the challenges they face?
When asked how they would react to getting pregnant/causing a pregnancy, 24% of girls and 22% of boys said “it would make my life a little more challenging, but I could manage.” About seven in ten (69% of girls and 71% of boys) said “it would be a real challenge and I’m not sure how I would manage.” Which statement does your pregnant daughter agree with more?
Want to talk about this post or other issues? Write a comment, or join us on Facebook!
Teens spend considerable time consuming media—nearly 45 hours a week according to one credible estimate. Given all the time young people spend with media, it is not unreasonable to conclude that media helps shape the social script for teens. Many adults believe that the media has contributed mightily to a coarser, more sexualized culture that has, in turn, negatively influenced young peoples’ attitudes and beliefs regarding sex and related topics.
Most teens (79% of girls and 67% of boys) agree with the following statement: “When a TV show or character I like deals with teen pregnancy, it makes me think more about my own risk of becoming pregnant/causing a pregnancy and how to avoid it.” Did your pregnant daughter think her chances of teen pregnancy were high before she became pregant?
Three-quarters of teens (76%) and adults (75%) say that what they see in the media about sex, love, and relationships can be a good way to start conversations about these topics. Yet when asked, "How often would you say you and your parents have talked about sex, love, and relationships because of something you saw in popular media like television shows?" Only 14% of teens say their parents Often talk to them about sex, love and relationships because of something you saw in the media; 33% of teens say Sometimes; 33% say Rarely, and 19% say Never. Which category do you think you fit in? Which category do your kids think you fit in?
Among those teens who have watched MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, 82% think the show helps teens better understand the challenges of teen pregnancy and parenthood and how to avoid it. Have you watched this show with your family? Do you think it fairly shows the challenges of teen pregnancy and parenthood? What does your pregnant daughter think about the teen parents in the show? How does she think she will avoid or overcome the challenges they face?
When asked how they would react to getting pregnant/causing a pregnancy, 24% of girls and 22% of boys said “it would make my life a little more challenging, but I could manage.” About seven in ten (69% of girls and 71% of boys) said “it would be a real challenge and I’m not sure how I would manage.” Which statement does your pregnant daughter agree with more?
Want to talk about this post or other issues? Write a comment, or join us on Facebook!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Sex and expectations
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy released their "With One Voice" survey in December. Here are some results.
Most teens (65% of girls and 57% of boys) who have had sex say they wish they had waited. Does your pregnant daughter wish she had waited to become sexually active?
Significant percentages of teens (63%) and adults (72%) agree that “teen boys often receive the message that they are expected to have sex.” What are your thoughts on this? What do your children think? What things do your kids think sends this message to boys?
Most teens (71%) and adults (77%) also agree that “teen girls often receive the message that attracting boys and looking sexy is one of the most important things they can do.” What are your thoughts? What do your children think? What things do your kids think sends this message to girls?
Most teens (93% of girls and 88% of boys) say they would rather have a boyfriend/girlfriend and not have sex rather than have sex but not have a boyfriend or girlfriend. In other words, a relationship is supposedly more important than sex.
Most teens (71%) and adults (81%) agree that sharing nude or semi-nude images of themselves or other teens electronically (through cell phones, websites, and/or social media networks) leads to more sex in real life.
You may find it helpful to read the chapter “Restoring Sexual Integrity” in our book “How To Survive Your Teen’s Pregnancy“.
Want to talk about this post or other issues? Write a comment, or join us on Facebook!
Most teens (65% of girls and 57% of boys) who have had sex say they wish they had waited. Does your pregnant daughter wish she had waited to become sexually active?
Significant percentages of teens (63%) and adults (72%) agree that “teen boys often receive the message that they are expected to have sex.” What are your thoughts on this? What do your children think? What things do your kids think sends this message to boys?
Most teens (71%) and adults (77%) also agree that “teen girls often receive the message that attracting boys and looking sexy is one of the most important things they can do.” What are your thoughts? What do your children think? What things do your kids think sends this message to girls?
Most teens (93% of girls and 88% of boys) say they would rather have a boyfriend/girlfriend and not have sex rather than have sex but not have a boyfriend or girlfriend. In other words, a relationship is supposedly more important than sex.
Most teens (71%) and adults (81%) agree that sharing nude or semi-nude images of themselves or other teens electronically (through cell phones, websites, and/or social media networks) leads to more sex in real life.
You may find it helpful to read the chapter “Restoring Sexual Integrity” in our book “How To Survive Your Teen’s Pregnancy“.
Want to talk about this post or other issues? Write a comment, or join us on Facebook!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Parent Power
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy released their "With One Voice" survey in December. Here are some results.
Teens continue to say that parents (46%) most influence their decisions about sex. By comparison, just 20% say friends most influence their decisions. There is a large body of social science research suggesting that overall closeness between parents and their children, shared activities, parent presence in the home, and parental caring and concern are all associated with a reduced risk of early sex and teen pregnancy. Teens who are close to their parents and feel supported by them are more likely to delay sex and to have fewer sexual partners.
80% of teens say that it would be much easier for teens to delay sexual activity and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with their parents. Parents should consider clarifying their own attitudes and values by thinking about the following kinds of questions:
What do you really think about school-aged teens being sexually active? Who is responsible for setting limits in relationships and how is that done realistically? What do you think about your sons and daughters using contraception?
87% of teens agree that they think it is important for teens to be given a strong message that they should not have sex until they are at least out of high school. Do you find this surprising, considering how much media says that teaching abstinence is silly? When do you want your children to start having sex?
62% of teens wish they were able to talk more openly about relationships with their parents. Teens want to hear not just about biology, but about healthy relationships.
You may find it helpful to read the chapter “Restoring Sexual Integrity” in our book “How To Survive Your Teen’s Pregnancy“.
Want to talk about this post or other issues? Write a comment, or join us on Facebook!
Teens continue to say that parents (46%) most influence their decisions about sex. By comparison, just 20% say friends most influence their decisions. There is a large body of social science research suggesting that overall closeness between parents and their children, shared activities, parent presence in the home, and parental caring and concern are all associated with a reduced risk of early sex and teen pregnancy. Teens who are close to their parents and feel supported by them are more likely to delay sex and to have fewer sexual partners.
80% of teens say that it would be much easier for teens to delay sexual activity and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with their parents. Parents should consider clarifying their own attitudes and values by thinking about the following kinds of questions:
What do you really think about school-aged teens being sexually active? Who is responsible for setting limits in relationships and how is that done realistically? What do you think about your sons and daughters using contraception?
87% of teens agree that they think it is important for teens to be given a strong message that they should not have sex until they are at least out of high school. Do you find this surprising, considering how much media says that teaching abstinence is silly? When do you want your children to start having sex?
62% of teens wish they were able to talk more openly about relationships with their parents. Teens want to hear not just about biology, but about healthy relationships.
You may find it helpful to read the chapter “Restoring Sexual Integrity” in our book “How To Survive Your Teen’s Pregnancy“.
Want to talk about this post or other issues? Write a comment, or join us on Facebook!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
2009 Birthrate data
The CDC recently released its preliminary report on birth data for 2009.
The birth rate for U.S. teenagers fell 6% in 2009 according to preliminary data, the lowest level ever recorded in nearly seven decades of tracking teenage childbearing (since 1940). The number of births to teenagers under age 20 also fell 6%. The rate for 2009 was 37% lower than in 1991.
The birth rate for teens aged 15-17 declined 7%, and is now 48% lower than the rate reported in 1991.
The birth rate for teens aged 18-19 declined 6%, and is now 30% lower than the rate reported in 1991.
The birth rate for college-aged (20-24 years old) women declined 7% during 2009.
The birth rate for unmarried women declined almost 4% from 2008 to 2009. This is the first time since 1996 that the total number of births to unmarried women declined instead of increasing. While the total number declined, nonmarital births to women aged 30 and older actually increased.
Teens accounted for just 21% of all nonmarital births in 2009, whereas in 1975 teens were 52% of nonmarital births.
The birth rate for U.S. teenagers fell 6% in 2009 according to preliminary data, the lowest level ever recorded in nearly seven decades of tracking teenage childbearing (since 1940). The number of births to teenagers under age 20 also fell 6%. The rate for 2009 was 37% lower than in 1991.
The birth rate for teens aged 15-17 declined 7%, and is now 48% lower than the rate reported in 1991.
The birth rate for teens aged 18-19 declined 6%, and is now 30% lower than the rate reported in 1991.
The birth rate for college-aged (20-24 years old) women declined 7% during 2009.
The birth rate for unmarried women declined almost 4% from 2008 to 2009. This is the first time since 1996 that the total number of births to unmarried women declined instead of increasing. While the total number declined, nonmarital births to women aged 30 and older actually increased.
Teens accounted for just 21% of all nonmarital births in 2009, whereas in 1975 teens were 52% of nonmarital births.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Tips for talking about tough topics
Need tips about talking to your kids about sex, drugs, and alcohol? The National Fatherhood Initiative offers these suggestions:
1) Lead by example. Kids will model what they see you doing.
2) Know the difference between hypocrisy and growth. If you’ve made mistakes in the past when it comes to drugs, sex, or alcohol, it’s not hypocritical to talk to your children about avoiding those same mistakes. You’ve grown and learned from your mistakes and your kids can learn from your experience.
3) Strengthen the emotional health of your kids. Emotional pain easily leads to the use of drugs, including the use of sex as a drug. Your committed presence in your kids' lives—your unconditional love, attentiveness, and, yes, even occasionally "getting in their face" in a loving way—will go a long way to boost their emotional stability and prevent them from becoming vulnerable to harmful activities.
4) Be age-appropriate. Until they’re at an age when they need to know about sex, drugs, or alcohol in depth, don’t overexpose them to these mature topics by giving them too much information too soon. That being said, if you don't take the initiative to introduce them to these topics in an appropriate time and way, someone else who might not have the best of intentions will. Be discerning about what your kids need to know based on their age, but don't shy away from the topic if they ask questions before you think they (or you!) are ready.
5) Talk often and candidly. Put your foot down firmly and have rules and boundaries, but know that there will be situations that you have to walk them through rather than keep them from. Having open conversations about the tough, awkward topics before you get to this point will make it a lot easier for you and your kids to work through the situation together when it happens.
6) Talk about the consequences clearly. A lot of what teens hear hides the truth about the long-term consequences. They’re told that having sex will make them a man/woman or that getting drunk/high is just about having fun – but not the reality that those activities bring serious emotional and physical risks. A characteristic of adolescence is the inability to think and plan long-term – guide your teens on the path to adulthood by helping them think through the lies they’re told and discern the long-term consequences and risks of dangerous activity.
7) Listen well and encourage your kids to talk openly with you. Preaching at your kids, not listening to them or inviting them to share or ask questions, and overreacting can shut down communication. When communication shuts down, teens cut themselves off from those who love and can help them the most—their parents. Keep those communication lines open by giving your kids a chance to talk about their experiences or concerns and ask questions. Make sure you listen respectively.
1) Lead by example. Kids will model what they see you doing.
2) Know the difference between hypocrisy and growth. If you’ve made mistakes in the past when it comes to drugs, sex, or alcohol, it’s not hypocritical to talk to your children about avoiding those same mistakes. You’ve grown and learned from your mistakes and your kids can learn from your experience.
3) Strengthen the emotional health of your kids. Emotional pain easily leads to the use of drugs, including the use of sex as a drug. Your committed presence in your kids' lives—your unconditional love, attentiveness, and, yes, even occasionally "getting in their face" in a loving way—will go a long way to boost their emotional stability and prevent them from becoming vulnerable to harmful activities.
4) Be age-appropriate. Until they’re at an age when they need to know about sex, drugs, or alcohol in depth, don’t overexpose them to these mature topics by giving them too much information too soon. That being said, if you don't take the initiative to introduce them to these topics in an appropriate time and way, someone else who might not have the best of intentions will. Be discerning about what your kids need to know based on their age, but don't shy away from the topic if they ask questions before you think they (or you!) are ready.
5) Talk often and candidly. Put your foot down firmly and have rules and boundaries, but know that there will be situations that you have to walk them through rather than keep them from. Having open conversations about the tough, awkward topics before you get to this point will make it a lot easier for you and your kids to work through the situation together when it happens.
6) Talk about the consequences clearly. A lot of what teens hear hides the truth about the long-term consequences. They’re told that having sex will make them a man/woman or that getting drunk/high is just about having fun – but not the reality that those activities bring serious emotional and physical risks. A characteristic of adolescence is the inability to think and plan long-term – guide your teens on the path to adulthood by helping them think through the lies they’re told and discern the long-term consequences and risks of dangerous activity.
7) Listen well and encourage your kids to talk openly with you. Preaching at your kids, not listening to them or inviting them to share or ask questions, and overreacting can shut down communication. When communication shuts down, teens cut themselves off from those who love and can help them the most—their parents. Keep those communication lines open by giving your kids a chance to talk about their experiences or concerns and ask questions. Make sure you listen respectively.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)