By Carol Church, Writer, Family Album
Reviewed by Suzanna Smith, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida
If I were to ask you how today’s teen birth rate compares with the teen birth rate 20 years ago, would you guess that it’s higher, lower, or about the same? How about rates today in comparison to 30, 40, or even 50 years ago?
While you might not be sure how today’s numbers compare with those from the early 2000s, most people might assume that more teens are giving birth today than in the 1980s, ‘70s, or ’60s. However, these assumptions would be incorrect!
In fact, according to the CDC, the number of children born to girls under 19 has been declining steadily since the 1990s. Remarkably, it is now at its lowest point in more than 70 years.
Decreasing, But Why?
Since teen pregnancy is associated with a number of negative outcomes for parent and child, this is good news. But what’s behind the decline? Actually, researchers aren’t entirely sure. However, decreased sexual activity and increased use of birth control both seem to be factors. Sex ed programs that discourage sexual activity while also providing clear information on reliable birth control methods appear to have been effective. Public health campaigns promoting condom use may also have helped.
Reality Shows: A Deterrent?
One intriguing theory even holds that controversial reality shows like “16 and Pregnant” are actually working to scare young teens away from parenthood. Research looking at the timing of related Tweets and Internet searches, new episode release dates, and the popularity of the show suggests that the program is consistently associated with Google searches and Tweets related to birth control and abortion. Teens themselves also overwhelmingly indicate that the shows present a bleak picture of teen parenthood. While this theory may be hard to prove conclusively, it’s an interesting one.
Parents, Have the Conversation
With all this said, however, teen birth rates remain high in the US compared to some other developed countries. Becoming a teen parent increases the chances that a woman will live in poverty and decreases her lifetime educational achievement. It’s also hard on kids, whose cognitive development may suffer.
So what can parents who are concerned about teen pregnancy do? Talking honestly, frequently, and openly with your teenager about sex and sexuality is very important. Answer their questions, and tell them your expectations for their behavior. Your sons and daughters want to hear from you, and your opinion matters. For more on talking with your teen about sex and preventing teen pregnancy, visit the resources in Further Reading.
(Photo credit: -2 by J.K. Califf. CC BY 2.0. Cropped.)
Further Reading
Office of Adolescent Health, Reproductive Health: Tips for Parents
Talking with Teens: Get Started
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy: Parents
References:
CDC. (2012). Birth rates for U.S. teenagers reach historic lows for all age and ethnic groups. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db89.htm
Child Trends. (2014). More good news on teen births, but work left to be done. Retrieved from http://www.childtrends.org/more-good-news-on-teen-births-but-work-left-to-be-done/
Kearney, M. K., & Levine, P. B. (2014). Media influences on social outcomes: The impact of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant on teen childbearing. Retrieved from http://www.nber.org/papers/w19795.pdf
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