Topic 8: teenage pregnancy + sexuality

Question 1

Why is teen pregnancy seen as a social problem?

Answer 1

• People are expected to have children later = education + career + having them comes with financial costs

Question 2

Give the stats on attitudes of young people on sexuality

Answer 2

• Premarital sex is wrong:
  > 1983 = 30%
  > 2012 = 10%
• Homosexuality is wrong:
  > 1983 = 60%
  > 2012 = 30%

Question 3

Describe the general attitudes/behaviors of young people on sexuality

Answer 3

• Average age for sex is 16
• 1/3 men + 1/4 women = sex at 16
• 80% 16-24 year olds use condoms 1st time
• 57% 16-24 year olds used contraception 2008/09
• Therefore younger people more open to sex but less likely to use contraception

Question 4

Describe conception rates

Answer 4

• High amongst teenage girls in recent times
• Higher in some countries than others = UK highest teen birth + abortion in Europe

Question 5

Explain what is causing the change in sexual attitudes/behavior in teens

Answer 5

SOCIETY:
- Loss of traditional family structures
- More sexualized society
- Use of contraception associated with socioeconomic background
EDUCATION:
- Children exposed to these messages
- Young people have access to this info BUT not equal info about sexual health + contraception
BEHAVIOR:
- Increased sexual activity
- Teens = risk takers
- Use of alcohol = unprotected sex
- Can’t resist peer pressure = don’t consult with parents about contraception

Question 6

Why rates of teen pregnancy higher in some countries?

Answer 6

• Sex-ed is underdeveloped
• Society doesn’t discuss sexuality with younger
• Lack of parental involvement in sex-ed
• Sexual messages targeting young people = less likely to discuss before trying
• Poverty = less motivation to delay kids due to socioeconomic aspirations

Question 7

Describe teen pregnancy as a public health problem

Answer 7

• Associated with social disadvantage = mother + later life of child
• Teen mom = poorer mental health 3 years postpartum compared to older mothers = 3x rate of PND
• Children = likely to have low education + higher risk of economic inactivity + more likely to become teen parents themselves
• Teen pregnancy = increased medical risks for mom + baby = infant mortality 60% higher than older mothers