Teen Sex, "Sex and the City" and "Friends"
Posted: Monday, November 03, 2008
by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
A study released today in the November issue of Pediatrics, links TV viewing habits of teens with a higher incidence of teen pregnancies. It is the first study of its kind. This groundbreaking research suggests that pregnancy rates are much higher among teens who watch a lot of TV with sexual dialogue and behavior than among those who have tamer viewing tastes. Sex and the City, That 70s Show, and Friends were the shows used in the research.
The study involved calling 2,003 girls and boys between 12 and 17 years of age, nationwide. They were questioned about their TV viewing habits in 2001. Teens were re-interviewed twice, the last time in 2004, and asked about pregnancy. Among girls, 58 became pregnant during the follow-up, and among boys, 33 said they had gotten a girl pregnant.
Pregnancies were twice as common among those who said they watched such shows regularly, compared with teens who said they hardly ever saw them. There were more pregnancies among the oldest teens interviewed, but the rate of pregnancy remained consistent across all age groups among those who watched the racy programs.
Chandra said, TV-watching was strongly connected with teen pregnancy even when other factors were considered, including grades, family structure and parents' education level.
But the study didn't adequately address other issues, such as self-esteem, family values and income, contends Elizabeth Schroeder, executive director of Answer, a teen sex education program based at Rutgers University. "The media does have an impact, but we don't know the full extent of it because there are so many other factors," Schroeder said.
But Bill Albert, chief program officer at the nonprofit National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, praised the study and said it "catches up with common sense." "Media helps shape the social script for teenagers. Most parents know that. This is just good research to confirm that," Albert said.
Psychologist David Walsh, president of the National Institute on Media and the Family, cited data suggesting only about 19 percent of American teens say they can talk openly with a trusted adult about sex. With many schools not offering sex education, that leaves the media to serve as a sex educator, he said.
"For a kid who no one's talking to about sex, and then he watches sitcoms on TV where sex is presented as this is what the cool people do," the outcome is obvious, Walsh said.
He said the message to parents is to talk to their kids about sex long before children are teens. Parents also should be watching what their kids watch and helping filter messages sex-filled shows are sending, he said.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics and the Associated Press
2008 by Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Hi Avis, It is true we get a warped picture of the consequences of teen sex. I think if there were more movies dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath, it would make a difference. If I had the money, I would make such a movie! It is amazing how accepted having sex outside of marriage is. Worse, it is socially acceptable for casual sex, never mind STD's. Its also sad that living together before marriage is encouraged. God help us. thanks for sharing this informationHiya Teresa, thank you! I feel your heart and desire to help teens and everyone. I believe we have the same heartbeat. You will get to help the girls at GeoVi's Home and even beyond our home. The Lord has worked it out. Things are happening and the time will come. Keep the faith and continue in prayer with us, please.
Hi AvisIf this is true for sex and pregnancy, how deep is the influence of violent TV shows?You also mention self-esteem. I think habitual TV watching, whatever the nature of the programms, has to have a negative affect on self-estem, because the young person learns to believe that happiness and satisfaction are things outside of ourselves.Thanks for a well written and stimulating article Avis.Hi Jonathan,
You've asked a poignant question! I believe we know the answer with the news reports heard daily. It's tragic. I agree with you on the negative impact the programs have on their self-esteem. These poor kids have so much to contend with these days.
I appreciate you for reading and posting comments, Jonathan. Thank you!
Interesting article, Avis, and thank you!I admit I am a fan of all the shows you've mentioned - in particular SATC - and yes, part of the reason I love it is how much I learn from it.I don't think it encourages me, persay, to have sex, but it definitely makes me more comfortable discussing it and accepting it as one of life's many normal, day-to-day things.I guess that is what watershed and viewing ages are all about, and it is in fact the parents' responsibility if they are too young and become influenced by these shows.Sara, I'm flattered you read this article and left comments for me. They're comments for all parents, actually. I agree, it is their responsibility to provide supervision on what shows their children watch and all of their activities. Many kids aren't so fortunate to have that supervision, however.
Also, Sara O'Rourke doesn't fit the mold for the "norm" as a teen. You're one with far more common sense and wisdom surpassing your age. It will be interesting to learn how you mature over the next 5 to 10 years. I hope you we are so privileged through your column here at SearchWarp.
Thank you for your input!
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