Teen Pregnancy Prevention

Teen pregnancy is an issue that educators have had to become more involved with over the years. As awkward as it can be to have these discussions, they must take place. According to Brown (2008), 1 in 3 young women become pregnant by the time they are 20. Half of these pregnancies are unplanned, with 1/3 of these to unwed young women. Given these statistics, pregnancy prevention programs are necessary if we, as educators, are going to aid these young women in their life plans.

Sailor (2004) cited different reasons for teen pregnancy. If I were to initiate a teen pregnancy prevention program I would focus on three of these reasons: unsupervised free time, inadequate sex education, and drug use (pp. 103-4). Unsupervised free time "has increased due to working parents, anonymity in neighborhoods, a shorter school day, and unemployment (Sailor, 2004, p.103). My program would include after school programs that are initiated by the teenagers. I would ask them what they would like to do and devise programs based upon that information. Brown recommended using the American Public Human Services Association to receive funding for programs focused on preventing teen pregnancy (2008). Referring teens to programs such as The Boys and Girls Club would also provide them with something to do after school.

Inadequate sex education has also led teens to live with many false beliefs. I remember talking with my 14-year-old godson and him telling me different positions that prevented pregnancy. Sailor (2004) discussed an instance where a pair of teenagers used sandwich baggies as a form of contraception (p. 103). There are obviously a lot of misconceptions with teenagers and sex. Instituting a programs like the one provided by Girls' Inc. would be ideal. They work with girls from the ages of 8 to 18. Between the ages of 8 and 10 they involve parents and communication strategies, 11-14 involves responsible decision making, and 15-18 deals with life planning (Sailor, 2004, pp. 107-108).

Drug use has also become a factor in teen pregnancy. In 2000, 48% of high school seniors reported using drugs. In 2001, binge drinking was also shown to be on an alarming rise. It was reported that 31% of seniors, 26% of sophomores, and 15% of eighth graders participated in binge drinking (Sailor, 2004, pp.103-104). Education on the effects of drug and alcohol use need to be integrated into any pregnancy prevention program. Speakers would be an excellent way to involve this, as well as using the media. There are several documentaries about this topic that would be helpful, as well as using recording of the BET show Teen Summit. The show discusses topics that affect teens and also has a program where schools can order the episodes as a teaching tool (Sailor, 2004, p.108). A proper teen pregnancy prevention program needs to involve all of these elements as well as sufficient support from governmental agencies, communities, and parents.

References

1. Brown, S. (March 2008). Preventing unplanned pregnancy makes human service work easier. Policy and Practice of Public Human Services, 66 (1), 38-9.
2. Sailor, D. (2004). Supporting children in their home, school, and community. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.