Teenage pregnancy is one of the most common problems among adolescents worldwide. IT is defined as a teenager or underage girl (usually within the ages of 13-19) becoming pregnant.
Results of Teenage Pregnancy:
Disrupted Education
- Parenthood is the leading reason why teen girls drop out of school because it is really difficult to juggle homework and a baby.
- More than 2/3 of all teenagers who have a baby will not graduate from high school
- Only 1.5% of teen mothers have a college degree by age 30.
- About one-fourth of teen moms will have a second child within 24 months of the first birth—which can further delay their ability to finish school or keep a job.
- Children of teenage mothers have lower birth weights, are more likely to perform poorly in school and are at greater risk of abuse and neglect.
- Children who live apart from their fathers are 5 times more likely to be poor than children with both parents at home.
- Sons of teen mothers are twice as likely to end up in prison.
- Daughters of teen mothers are 5 times more likely to become teen mothers themselves.
Impact on Everyone
- Teen pregnancies cost taxpayers 9.1 billion each year.
- Billions of dollars are spent taking care of teenage mothers and their children and they are more likely to be in the poverty bracket.
Ways to prevent Teenage Pregnancy:
- Don't give in to peer pressure. Many teenagers can feel left behind when their friends start to have boyfriends and have sexual activities. However, if you do stand your ground and wait until you know you are ready, you will be glad of it. It means you'll have waited for the right person and the right time.
- Learn to say "No" when it comes to anything you are uncomfortable with and do not be afraid of standing up for yourself.
- Know what will and won't result in pregnancy. There are many myths about what will get you pregnant and what will keep you from getting pregnant. A lot of these myths are simple misinformation, and some of them are lies designed to deceive you. Hence, arm yourself with facts and lower your chances of pregnancy in the safe and smart way.
- Understand the effectiveness of different forms of birth control. All birth controls are not created equal. Some work better than others and some are preferred by different individual for different reasons. It helps to know a little about what each form of birth control is and how effective they are.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE WHEN IT COMES TO PREVENTING TEENage PREGNANCY.
TEN SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT TEENAGE PREGNANCY.
THINKING OF TAKING THE RISK? WELL, THINK AGAIN.1) In the United States, there are nearly 750,000 teen pregnancies each year, that's about 2000 a day! This means that about 30% of girls get pregnant at least once. 2) That 30% is heavily skewed towards minorities. It's estimated that about HALF of Latina and African American teenagers will be pregnant at least once before they're 20. 3) Teen girls have a hard time supporting their babies. Raising a baby can cost up to $10,000 in the first year ALONE. 4) About 80% of teen fathers don't marry the mom. They also contribute very little to raising the baby. On average, teen dads pay less than $800 a YEAR on child support. 5) That 80% number can mean trouble. It's estimated that children who live apart from their dads are 5 times MORE likely to be poor than if they live with both parents. 6) Teen pregnancy greatly affects education. Only 51% of teen moms have a high school diploma. The number for those who didn't have a teen birth is closer to 89%. 7) Parenthood is the leading cause for teen girls dropping out of school. 8) Teen moms are extremely UNLIKELY to go to college. Only about 2% of young teen moms ever get a higher education degree. 9) Having a baby in your teens can also affect the baby: The daughters of teen moms are 3 times more likely to become teen moms themselves. 10) Sons are also affected. The sons of teen moms are twice as likely to become incarcerated.
THINKING OF TAKING THE RISK? WELL, THINK AGAIN.
