Media Influences on Social Outcomes: The Impact of Teen Pregnancy Reality TV Shows on Teen Childbearing, "'I Didn't Think that this could happen to me!', teen screams at doctor This is being voiced by thousands of pregnant teens across America and many are wondering if there is a cause for the decline in teen pregnancies. Some studies show that what teenage girls hear and see in the media is the cause. Reality TV is a type of television program in which "real life" people are followed into a situation. National Economic Research claims that the show 16 and Pregnant reduced the teen birth rate by six percent Based on teen pregnancy statistics, with studies showing links between teen pregnancy and. sexual content on television and shows such as 16 and Pregnant have shown that media affects teenage birth rates in positive ways. TV USE among teenagers Some may wonder how much media do teenagers watch? According to Washington.edu, the average American teenager watches about 20 hours of television per week. By the age of 18, a teenager will have seen 350,000 advertisements; 100,000 could be beer ads. » New polling data from a nationally representative survey commissioned by the National Campaign asked teens for their views on the media and teen pregnancy and their views on 16-year-olds and pregnant women. Six out of ten teenagers watched some of the 16 year olds and pregnant women. Among teens who watched the show, 82% think the show helps them better understand the challenges of teen pregnancy and parenting, compared to 15% who think it glorifies teen pregnancy. Additionally, the clear majority of teens (67%) and girls (79%) agree with the statement "when a TV show or character I like deals with pre-teens... middle of paper...... About a quarter of teenage mothers have a second child within 24 months of the first birth, which can further delay her ability to complete school. Whether or not you choose to have sex, it's important to be able to talk about it with your partner. Having direct conversations about sex can be difficult, but if you're confident in your facts and able to openly express how you feel, it should be easier. So take the time to inform yourself and think about what is right for you. It may help to discuss these decisions with a close friend, parent, doctor, or other trusted adult before telling your partner. When you are clear about your own feelings, it will be easier to communicate them to someone else. And don't wait until you're in the heat of the moment to make these decisions: having a plan means being prepared before you're in the moment. (Stayteen.org)