Why is it an issue? Historical Perspective Economical Issue Background factors Effects on Mothers and Their Children The Influence of the Media

We will use some of the steps we have learned in order to assess the problem of Teen Pregnancy.

Define the problem * Gather evidence * Identify causes * Evaluate a policy Develop solutions * Select best solution http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/ppae/ppae1.html

Teen pregnancy: a crisis over the past 50 years

› society has shifted the moral standards that direct sexual behavior.

› increasing rates of sexual activity among teenagers, and decreasing rates of marriage.

1950’s: less than a third of first births to teen mothers were conceived out of wedlock.

1980’s: two-thirds of all Caucasian teen mothers were unmarried.

97% of African American teen mothers were single at the time of conception in the 1980’s.

Approximately 750,000 to 850,000 teenage women, ages 15 through 19, become pregnant in the US every year.

77% of children born to teen parents will receive a high school diploma.

Children of teen mothers more likely to experience adolescent childbearing, homelessness, juvenile delinquency, and incarceration.

Federal government spends approximately $15 billion to help families that began with a teenage birth yearly.

80% of unmarried teen mothers end up on welfare.

Inherited disadvantage

Family headed by a single parent

increased psychological problems lower graduation rates inconsistent employment reliance on social assistance and welfare higher poverty rates Increased marital instability more frequent health problems

Teens are bombarded with messages that SEX AND PREGNANCY HAVE NO RISKS, AND NO CONSEQUENCES.

Written By: Margaret Bechard

Published by Simon Pulse, 2003

Focuses on the life of a teenage father› Central Question:

Should he give Max up for adoption?

Written by Ruth Pennebaker

Published by Henry Holt and Co., 2001

Main character Anne is forced to live in a group home for pregnant teens › Ultimately gives her

child up for adoption

Written by: Anna Fienberg

Published By: Laurel Leaf, 2002

Main character lives in a dysfunctional family › Chooses abortion

When asked if Young Adult novels that portrayed Teen Pregnancy and/or parenting made it look glamorous many said no. › One surveyed student said that after reading

one of these books she “Never wanted to have kids”

Premiered September 8, 2007 by Fox Searchlight Pictures

16 year old high school student gives her baby boy up for adoption to a single adoptive mother.

17 Again (2009): Comedy film from New Line Cinema.

Fifteen and Pregnant (1998): Based on a true story, by Lifetime Television movies.

Mom at Sixteen (2005): Lifetime Television movies.

Saved! (2004): Teen comedy film with religious satire.

Where the Heart Is (2000): by 20th Century Fox.

Premiered on ABC Family on July 1, 2008.

15 year old gets pregnant from her first sexual encounter. Took place at a school event. She has help from multiple people; her parents, sister, the baby’s father, her fiancée, and friends.

90210 (2008-2009): CW spin-off of Beverly Hills, 90210.

16 and Pregnant (2009): MTV Reality Series

Reba (2001-2007): one of the CW’s top rated sitcoms.

One Tree Hill (2003-2009): Aired on the WB, now called the CW.

Celebrities within a small limited society are an easier “real” text for people to read

Examples› local school celebrities› local sports players› local dance, or music

performers

Celebrities within a large society are a more complicated text, are inaccessible

Examples › Nationally known› Singers› Actors/actresses

Media has many social, economic purposes to keep celebrities as they are:

A real example →→→

“Jamie Lynn Spears”

A social reflection of how celebrity culture might affect real life.

Several girls decided to get pregnant together, influenced by celebrities

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4198422n&tag=related;photovideo

Worksheet5: "Developing public policy solutions"(HTML)

Spend a few moments now using the template below to generate some ideas on how the problem of Teen Pregnancy can be resolved in our communities.