November 6, 2009

Not for girls only

Too often, adolescent pregnancy is viewed as a problem having to do exclusively with teenage girls. Overlooked are the teenage boys and men who share equally in this responsibility. Their need for pregnancy prevention information and services is no less important.

Current studies show that when fathers are involved in the physical care of their children before the age of three, they are less likely to sexually abuse their own or any other child in the future. To break the cycle of sexual abuse which often leads to teenage pregnancy, intensive family support programs, such as Healthy Families, are needed to teach fathers about parenting and help them connect with their children from birth.

Comment on The Roles of Mass Media & Roles of Society

Every year, young people are inundated with a barrage of messages about sex and sexuality from their peers and through the media. How do we ensure that adolescents are getting the right messages that will help them stay safe and healthy and avoid early parenthood?

I am agreeing with Noraida’s point in this view. Young people need to hear strong and consistent messages about responsible sexual behavior. Certainly parents - through discussion and example - carry the primary responsibility for guiding their children, and they should be supported in doing so. But the larger community, and especially the media, must regularly reinforce parents with complementary rather than contradictory messages.

My second opinion is that when children are isolated from their peers, lack positive adult role models or experience few successes, they are at-risk of slipping into problem behaviors. Communities must ensure that children have access not only to nurturing adults, but also to a broad spectrum of programs, activities, and service opportunities that can build self-confidence, bolster self-esteem, and forge positive connections.

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