"It's not necessarily a scare tactic, but in classrooms across Texas, and in a growing number of other states, schools are looking at two new programs that teach teens about the consequences of irresponsible sexual behavior — without either the controversial sex-education quotient or abstinence-focused programs, whose message, educators say, often falls on deaf ears" (USA Today). In the article titled, "Teen Parenting Programs Get Real" it explains how the state of Texas is putting together sex education programs. However, these programs are not the typical "don't have sex" or "use a condom" lecture but rather is focusing on the legal responsibilities, emotional toll and dollars-and-cents realities of life as a teen parent. I think this is a great idea that they are doing these programs because teens are going to have sex, teens are not going to use protection, and teens will get pregnant. These programs are here to share with you what responsibilities come with teen parenting and the emotional stress that comes with it.
The approach represents an important new trend in an area that has been controversial and fraught with problems. And because these programs have shown such early promise, they are spreading across the country, as educators and state officials see in them a new way to target high teen birth rates in the USA. One program is called Parenting and Paternity Awareness (PAPA), and the other is No Kidding, a partnership between community groups that work with school districts.
"PAPA is addressing an unmet need for students, and it is significantly improving students' knowledge and attitudes in areas that are unique to the PAPA curriculum," the evaluation says. The No Kidding program includes three 50-minute sessions with personal stories from teen parents, as well as information about the legal and financial obligations related to paternity; presenters are paid $40 an hour as peer educators. There is even a Price Is Right-type exercise on the cost of baby items.
I think these programs would be so beneficial if more were started up across the country. It could leave a great impact on teens who are currently having unprotected sex.
http://www.usatoday.com/LIFE/usaedition/2010-12-15-teenparents15_CV_U.htm
I actually feel ambivalent about these programs. I definitely can see how they would be beneficial to teens because they receive an honest view of what teen pregnancy looks like. However, even though they claim not to be "scare tactics", it kind of sounds like one...
ReplyDeleteIt says that these will be taught in schools - are they mandatory or are they electives?
It just doesn't sound like something teens would go out of their way to take part in, unless they were seriously considering getting pregnant and wanted to be enlightened about the possible consequences. However, even then, I assume the majority of teens aren't interested in getting pregnant. The only other way I can see students taking this class is the parents pushing them to... as a scare tactic.
I guess I'm trying to visualize being a teen and attending a school where this class is offered. If it were an elective - no, I wouldn't take it. I wouldn't want to hear the consequences of being pregnant at a young age. If it were mandatory, I know I'd view it as a scare tactic.
And who's to say I'd keep my baby? If you're going to teach teens the hardships of being a teen parent, they should also include education about their other options - abortion and adoption. These classes are assuming that if you get pregnant, you're expected to keep your baby.
I also wonder about the teens who do get pregnant in a high school where these classes are offered. Yes, it could be beneficial because it could help prepare them to be teen parents (if that's the OPTION they choose). However, will these programs further instill negative emotions towards teens that become pregnant? Or will it educate their peers and further their understanding and compassion about what pregnant teens are going through?
Also, with these "potential parenting classes", will sex education be included? If not, then the whole thing seems pointless to me. They'll discuss the consequences of becoming pregnant, but won't discuss how to prevent it?
In the end, I understand that there are teens that have sex. I understand that there are teens don't fully understand the re-precautions of their choices. However, I don't feel like only teaching the consequences of getting pregnant is the answer.
The bottom line is that it is likely that teens will have sex. However, I believe they must be aware of contraception. I don't think that the programs are "bad ideas", I can see how they can open teens' minds to see/understand other sides of the issue. But, I think this comes down to prevention and learning how to have sex without making a baby.
I don't think teens should be prevented from having sex education. I believe it should be more realistic and to the point - use contraception. I appreciate the effort Texas put in to create a new point of view on teen pregnancy. However, I just don't think it should be the sole reasoning for preventing pregnancy within the teen community.
- Clare Powell
I completely agree with you, Clare. Im glad that someone is taking the initiative to start these classes, but i think that the classes should be about protective sex rather than pregnancies. I would see it as a scare tactic. Sex is going to happen, its just the job of the more experienced to lead by example, and give all the facts so that the younger generations dont make bad choices, whether it be getting pregnant or std's.
ReplyDelete