Teenage pregnancy has become a growing concern nowadays and hence it has become imperative to look into the various causes of teenage pregnancy in order to deal with this issue carefully. Teenage pregnancies are widely discouraged because the of health risks they raise for the young mothers and their babies.
This problem is more prevalent in developed countries, particularly USA. As the name itself indicates, teenage pregnancy refers to pregnancy in young girls, mostly aged 13 to 17 years. Pregnancy at such a tender age is primarily due to lack of sex education.
Lack of awareness about the causes and effects of teenage pregnancy is more often than not, a result of lack of proper communication between teenagers and their parents. Therefore, it is the duty of the parents to impart adequate sex education and education regarding reproductive health to their adolescent sons and daughters so that their children become aware of the various aspects related teenage sex and pregnancy.
Schools and society also need to emphasize the risk factors associated with unprotected sex as well as the outcomes of unplanned teenage pregnancy, not to mention the significance of moral and ethical values.
Reasons of Teenage Pregnancy
Lack of sex education is the most important but not the only cause of teenage pregnancy. Following are some other teenage pregnancy causes that can not be ignored.
• Psychological factors: The immature and irresponsible behavior arising due to complex teenage psychology is another important cause of teenage pregnancies. Teenagers often go through a number of emotions because of their own transition from childhood and peer pressure.
In addition, weak family relationships fail to provide the emotional support that teenagers require. This lack of attention and affection from family resulting in depression forces them to seek love and support from other people, especially members of the opposite sex.
• Adolescent sexual behavior: As adolescence marks the onset of sexual maturity, it is but obvious that both the sexes show interest in and explore the much hyped topics of sex, thank to the irresponsible and careless approach of mass media.
This makes them vulnerable to teenage sex and pregnancy without adequate sex education. Lack of sexual education causes teens to get abortions as they ultimately realize their inability to bear the responsibilities of being a parent at such a young age.
• Lack of discipline and control: Factors like alcohol and substance abuse accompanied by unrestricted interaction with the opposite sex can ignite the sparks of lust and passion in youngsters very easily ultimately leading to teenage pregnancy.
Nonetheless, at times, parents put too many restrictions of their children, especially girls to protect them from dangers. This overprotection gives rise to frustration and a feeling of not being loved and cared for. Thus, balance is the key to avoid this problem.
• Socio-economic factors: Childhood environment, lower educational and income levels have also been associated with high rates of teenage pregnancy because of negligence towards birth control methods.
• Sexual abuse of teenage girls is also one of the most disgraceful causes of teenage pregnancy. Sexual relationships between teenage girls and older men are more likely to end up in teenage pregnancy as compared to sexual relationships between teenage boys and girls.
Outcomes
Teenage pregnancies also create a host of other problems like incomplete education, unemployment, poverty, social embarrassment and numerous other emotional traumas. Further, early motherhood also affects the psychological development of the child adversely.
Besides, bodies of teenage girls are not as developed as those of adult women in terms of childbearing, therefore, they are likely to face certain complications as well. Moreover, the chances of maternal death can not be ruled out.
Therefore, analyzing the various causes of teenage pregnancy can help a great deal in addressing this issue effectively and eventually reducing the cases of teenage pregnancies.
you all are so stupid becuz teenage pregnancy is brought about by lack of self control or even when girls are engaged in poverty, and there are other factor that may influence teens like the media. restrict the amount of hours your child is spending on the internet,the music; engage them in gospel and not hip hop and other mind or sex treating music. And victims of teenage pregnancy I don’t blame you gays becuz some times it just a mistake be fascinated in sex. Now you can’t learn from your mistake becuz its already there what you have to do is educate you young ones and ensure that they are protected. (and don’t forget these problem are already there you can not re-do so don’t grudge your child love your child)
Cameron, I see your point and I agree. However, I almost did not read your post due to your first five words. Just because someone may have a different opinion than you doesn’t make them stupid.
Teen pregnancy is brought upon ones self, lack of sex education, lack of self control, and lack of parents not being parents. Teen pregnancy is now common in the US and continues to grow more and every year due to these reason. Girls may think there “in love” or thinks its “cool” now days so they just have sex. Most regret doing this if they get a pregnancy or an STD. Parents need to take control and need to help stop the rate in teen pregnancy’s. Don’t let your kid be the next teen mom.
Well I agree and disagree with this article. I am currently a soon to be mother and I am only seventeen. I however disagree with some of the statements others have posted. Me being in this situation was my choice. I knew the consequences of my actions, I was fully aware of what would happen if I engaged in teenage sexual activity. I will be 18 in less than a month, graduate in two months, and I will be married in June. I wish I could say this pregnancy was planned but I know that there will be consequences. I was not drunk or on any drugs and I continue to stay like that. However, many say guys only want sex when sex occurs, in my situation, I was engaged first.
thank you for reading
TENAGE PREGnancy,I believe tenage pregnancy is cause as a result of poverty in the African setting,and the unlimited right given to children in the western world.To explain that it will take me some hours to exhurst this article
this is sicking i almost threw up
TO CONCERNED:
Honey I really hope that you get help. Little do you know the problems that will arrive for you. You just proved a point here. Teens are too young, dumb, and uneducated to have children. I was 16 when I was pregnant. I graduated from high school, went on to the national guard, is currently in school for pre-law, have a full time job, and I am married to my child’s father. We have been married for almost three years now and it is not easy by far! Getting pregnant at an early age is a very dumb and irresponsible decision. I do not regret having my son but I do wish we would have waited. Not everyone who are teen parents can come out on top, matter of fact it is very few that can. I have had to bust my butt to get where I am today and I still struggle to stay where I am. I am here to tell teens to stay young as long as they can! Growing up too fast is not fun at all especially when you have a child attached to your hip. Take your time and grow up, your teenage years are the most fun times of your life and trust me you can not get them back! Having a child you will not be able to go out and do what your friends do and since you cant follow your friends you will loose them. Your friends aren’t going to be cooped up in the house with you and your child because you cant go anywhere they want to have fun. You wont be able to buy yourself anything because your always buying something for your child. Once that child is born, you become last! Think about your actions!!!
ya know, i couldnt agree more, with you. actually im so glad you wrote that comment i have to write a 4 page essay about teenage pregnancy at my school, & you really have helped me thank you so much! 🙂
Kudo’s to you for saying this – I was 21 and working full time when I had my son – and I still wasn’t ready for it… Got pregnant and the “dad” left… I ended up being mom and dad… You hit the nail on the head with what you have said – I hope others can think of it…BEFORE they get pregnant…
Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to grasp so much approximately this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I feel that you just could do with some p.c. to force the message house a bit, but instead of that, that is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.
first off, half the people who commented need to go back to school and learn how to talk properly. secondly, cudos to the teens moms how are currently or have finished high school and are getting a higher education. And thirdly, teaching abstinence only is a joke. Teens are naturally curious and telling them to wait only makes them more so. Teach them how to protect themselves and parents get more involved in their lives.
teenage pregnany cn b prevented esp wen girls r careful
they shud b able to decide 4 themselve
no matter wat
Teenage pregnancy is a serious issue; and this is especially to those who are unmarried and/or incapable of looking after the child once they have delivered. Exploring the world is fun, but one does not need to loose control of their morality and values which they were brought up with. The time of being a teenager is the most sweetest time one could (or should) remember because this a time when they are gradually transforming into adulthood. One ought to enjoy the innocence and pure joys of being a teenager, but unfortunately, many teenagers are choosing paths that were meant only for adults. Choose carefully what you desire or it may lead you to many sorrows and pain (which were meant only for adults). As for the young teenagers out there, I urge you little ones to be wise in your ways and be free and innocent, because that is what is expected of you. Nothing more. Just be your innocent lovely selves and make the bible lead you in all of your endeavours.
If you need help with self-control, or maybe you are having troubles understanding your parents seem-to-be-overprotective-rules, then I strongly urge you to read the bible and make the bible your best friend, because it is the only most sensible thing in the world. The God of the bible is the only one that can help you to be a good and innocent but a fun-to-be-with-teenager, and also at the same time, you can avoid problems such as teenage pregnancies. But if you have delivered and have trouble looking after baby, then still I am happy to tell you that God is the only one who can help you; so turn to Him and trust Him. Because I do, and He has helped me through my miseries, and I am pretty sure that He knows what you are going through and He will definitely help you out.
Know God and you won’t end up having this problem; but, if you are alerady in it, ask God to help you if you are in dire need of help. But in the end, make sure to know God, and to love Him, because He loves you and the beautiful child that you have.
With sincere love,
Jacinthia
TO CONCERNED:
I AM A GIRL OF 16 YEAR OLD AND FOR
IAM A VERY YOUNG GIRL OF 16 YEAR OLD AND FOR THIS MATTER IAM ALSO A TEENAGER AS WELL.BUT I ALWAYS TAKE MY TIME IN DOING SO MANY THINGS BECAUSE I KNOW NOTHING IS NEVER TOO LATE.I WANT TO GET A GOOD EDUCATION TO BECOME A GOOD MOTHER IN FUTURE SO THAT I CAN NOW HAVE THE TIME TO CATER FOR MY CHILDREN AS WELL.AS THIS SAYING GOES”(DON’T BE HARRY IN LIFE”).I ALWAYS PUT THIS IN MIND SO THAT I CANT BE DECEIVED BY YOUNG BOY OR MAN. Little do you know the problems that will arrive for youwhen you want to be too harry in life. Teens are too young, dumb, and uneducated to have children. Getting pregnant at an early age is a very dumb and irresponsible decision. Not everyone who are teen parents can come out on top, matter of fact it is very few that can COME OUT. . I am here to tell my colleague teens to stay young as long as they can! Growing up too fast is not fun at all especially when you have a child attached to your hip. Take your time and grow up, your teenage years are the most fun times of your life and trust me you can not get them back! Having a child you will not be able to go out and do what your friends do and since you cant follow your friends you will loose them will not also get a good education as well. Your friends aren’t going to be cooped up in the house with you and your child because you cant go anywhere they want to have fun. You wont be able to buy yourself anything because your always buying something for your child. Once that child is born, you become last! Think about your actions!!!SO “BEWARE” AND GET STIGMATIZED FROM BOYS AND CONCENTRATE ON YOUR BOOKS TO BECOME SOMEBODY BIG IN FUTURE.THANKS FOR READING.BYE BYE.
Parents should create a cordial relationship with their children, teach them all they need to know, find out if they have problems or not, show them attention, and affection so as to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy
The social grant being given to teenagers lead to teenage pregnancy because teeneger think that if they become pregnanct they will get free money from the government and even the lack sex education in school, porvety is the main cause of pregnancy.
Im also a teenager and i hav a fwiend whoz 17 yrz old she has a baby nw and wot did her boyfrnd do had sex wth her and when he found owt she was preggies he left town and neva returned typical
As an educated student,i want to know the details of teenage pregnancy in our society today,in other to control and wipe away from existence.
Teenagers are so stupid getting pregnet these days it’s ridiculous cause most of teenagers that are getting pregnant are in care and there babies are gettin taken of them at birth.
Teens are adventurers and rebellious. They would like to feel what they are being advised against doing. They want to exercise their freedom and therefore end up doing what is not safe. Many in poor nations are driven by desire to meet their needs. Others are abused by adults who are able to use money and influence or capitalize on the girls’ ignorance and helplessness to evade punishment. Many teenage pregnancies are results of rape and incest.
I found this site while preparing for a speech about abortion. I find all of these stories to be informative and interesting. I did not experience teen pregnancy in my own life, but I am trying to gain understanding of the cause of teen pregnancy that I may find ways to help our young people not not make this mistake. It seems the best solutions are education, love, support and most importantly, prayer.
I do not believe teenagers are stupid, but I do believe they are trying to find their way. We sometimes make bad decisions along the way. All we can do is learn form our mistake and try to prevent someone else for enduring the same hardships we had to overcome. Those of you who shared your story and were able to overcome, you are incredible people for taking the time to share your experience in hopes of making a difference in someone life.
The parents who do not give their children love they are the ones who are increasing the number of teenage pregnancy because the teenagers go out side and look for the ones who will love them and fall pregnant once they’ve got them.Parents must make sure that their children are using contraceptive pills so that wherenever they want to be feel loved they do not fall pregnancy while she is young.
Teen pregnancy is brought upon ones self, lack of sex education, lack of self control, and lack of parents not being parents. Teen pregnancy is now common in the US and continues to grow more and every year due to these reason. Girls may think there “in love” or thinks its “cool” now days so they just have sex. Most regret doing this if they get a pregnancy or an STD. Parents need to take control and need to help stop the rate in teen pregnancy’s. Don’t let your kid be the next teen mom.
causes of the Teen pregnancy particularly in developing like my country are thus:
Economic status; much to the home where the Girl from.
Environmental status and residence; a father, mother and daughter pass night in a single room on the same bed.
No school curriculum is having concern of school family life education.
No government policy or Act that will penalize the accuse(male) of the act.
I WILL LOOK AT THE AFRICAN SETTING TO DISCUSS THE CAUSES OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY. TEENAGE PREGNANCY IS CAUSE BY POVERTY, INADEQUATE SUPPORT OF CHILDREN BY THEIR PARENTS AND LACK OF SEX EDUCATION BEEN PROVIDER BY PARENTS TO THEIR CHILDREN, PEAR PRESSURE BEEN INDUCED BY TEENS AND FINALLY, THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE GLOBAL WORLD.
THE POVERTY HAS CAUSED THE INCREASE RATE OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN AFRICA.SOME PARENTS CAN’T MEET THE BASIC NEEDS OF THEIR CHILDREN DUE TO INSUFFICIENT EARNINGS AS A RESULT MOST CHILDREN BECOME THE BREAD WINNER OF THEIR PARENTS.THE SECOND FACTOR IS THE LACK OF SEX EDUCATION BEEN PROVIDED BY PARENTS TO THEIR GIRLS CHILDREN.TEENAGE PREGNANCY CAN ALSO RESULT TO CHILDREN BEEN UNDER AGE AND BEGIN TO WATCH SEX MOVIES ON PHONES, ON INTERNET AND VIDEOS.
hello everyone, I am currently doing my bachelors for business administration, 19 years old and work at a full time job, now as I went through all your comments I can’t help to notice the word STUPID TEENAGERS being overly used and miscomprehended, is very disrespectful to call any one stupid there are many other words that can be used to go about teenagers taking the wrong actions and doing things out of the way. in Fact lets not forget that there are still a percentage of teenagers who willingly did not choose to get pregnant, circumstances and lack of sex education can lead towards many things, we all wish to be young as long as we can but unlike others in my case is very different, by the way I don’t have a child but I had to grow up quicker than I expected due to financial issues, family separation etc. I make my own living and pay for my school tuition, I cannot or even have the time to do what teenagers normally do as my schedule is always busy…. I was given all the freedom when I was 17 yrs old, lost my virginity when I was 18 came to realize it was peer pressure but I admit I was way too naïve to see it coming ( I manage to finish high school without being sexually engage). I am currently with a guy who is 25 yrs old and we have been doing really great, age has never been a concern to me I rather be with an older guy, I had to skip few stages in life to be where im at, a younger guy would never meet my standards or interest, their too playful and dependent, I know what it is to go through struggles and I’ve seen 24-28 years old still dependent on their parents even when they already have kids, to me this is highly embarrassing, I think in order to have a child you must be stable at a job, home and partner and quite frank this has nothing to do with age as you can see many young persons had to grow a lot faster so their so much humble. I highly respect all your view points they are correct but in certain cases, remember no one has it the same way, I think we should look at actual circumstances that occurs in the real life that we know to further explain early pregnancy ( 19-21) years old. pregnancy occurring at ages 14-18 is something that we should highly prevent and emphasize as much as we can. if you ask me, I always aimed to have my first child at age 24, I don’t wanna be in my 30’s… however things we plan don’t always come out the way we expect therefor I do my part to prevent pregnancy, abortion is not an option but honestly I don’t see myself being fully ready for a child until I have a child! ( does this makes sense?) is critical thinking, we can always be financially prepared BUT bearing a child as to all the details I don’t think any one is ready until they do have a child than they learn…
When we talk about teenage pregnancy, then we have to deal with the ways of solving it.
First is about the parents who refused their children need and still expert them remain chaste and humble as they used to be. though poverty is now reigning in this unforgiving world but parents must provide the needs of their children. Broken homes, lack of parental care, peer pressure and others. please parent, just be responsible when it comes to children especially your girls.
Being teenager is soo fun. We are free what we wanted to do. Nowadays, boys are so chancing just to get the trust of a girls. When they did it, that the time they want something favor to the girl. All I can say is girls we dont need to aggressively indulge that said sex because that particular issue can lead us to suffer at last.