16 and pregnant ruining society?

Rachael_5711 · July 2010

I personally have never seen the show, but it seems like it is glorifying being a teen mom, my kids will never watch that crap!

anna2029 · July 2010

It is insanity at it highest form! I know so many teens who look forward to having a baby b/c of that show. It's scum!

Lissa832 · July 2010

The worst part of the show is that they do seem to glorify teen pregnancy. They rarely show the really awful things that accompany a teen pregnancy, and that is dangerous.

lyzp07 · July 2010

Actually, I disagree with all of you, in respect. I just turned 21, and a lot of my friends are younger than me (so that makes them teens!) and all of my cousins are in high school. Also, all my friends at college watch the show too.

If you ask me, it's shows like "A Baby Story" and "Bringing Home Baby" that make it seem like a piece of cake (I grew up watching these, ALWAYS wanted kids). They always have support of their families, they have a significant other, the whole 9 yards. But in teen mom, they're not like oh I tried so hard to have a baby, they're more like, i'm pregnant, none of my friends like me anymore and my boyfriend abandoned me, not appealing. Not to mention, all teen moms get called whores, white trash, etc. by their peers, whether they are these things or not.

No teen I know wants to go through this. In fact, a lot of girls I know won't have sex in high school because they don't want to risk having a baby, birth control defects and condoms breaking?! Yeah they're are some girls out there who want kids when they're teens, but it's definitely up to their parents to educate them. I'm not about to critique on parenting styles, you do yours, I do mine.

But no, I don't think it's ruining society. I actually cry during some of the episodes because I feel so terrible for the girls. So does everyone else I know. If they don't know what you're preventing them from, then they won't care.

SoulfulWhim5862 · July 2010

lyzp07:

Actually, I disagree with all of you, in respect. I just turned 21, and a lot of my friends are younger than me (so that makes them teens!) and all of my cousins are in high school. Also, all my friends at college watch the show too.

If you ask me, it's shows like "A Baby Story" and "Bringing Home Baby" that make it seem like a piece of cake (I grew up watching these, ALWAYS wanted kids). They always have support of their families, they have a significant other, the whole 9 yards. But in teen mom, they're not like oh I tried so hard to have a baby, they're more like, i'm pregnant, none of my friends like me anymore and my boyfriend abandoned me, not appealing. Not to mention, all teen moms get called whores, white trash, etc. by their peers, whether they are these things or not.

No teen I know wants to go through this. In fact, a lot of girls I know won't have sex in high school because they don't want to risk having a baby, birth control defects and condoms breaking?! Yeah they're are some girls out there who want kids when they're teens, but it's definitely up to their parents to educate them. I'm not about to critique on parenting styles, you do yours, I do mine.

But no, I don't think it's ruining society. I actually cry during some of the episodes because I feel so terrible for the girls. So does everyone else I know. If they don't know what you're preventing them from, then they won't care.

It's good that you know a lot of responsible teens. I have to agree with the others though. In my area the teens could care less about using protection amd being responsible. One of the high school teachers told me a student of hers confessed about certain "parties" that a lot of the students have been attending. At these parties the girls don't wear underwear and they have sex and hop from one guy to another. So many teen moms in this area that don't have a clue.

scooby2504 · July 2010

Every single girl on Teen Mom can be seen saying that they wish they would have waited to have sex and have a baby. There are going to be irresponsible teens engaging is risky sexual behaviors anywhere you go, but I think Teen Mom portrays a more realistic view of teen pregnancy and parenthood than anything else out there. When the show first started, I thought it glorify teen pregnancy, but I actually watched it, and I admit I was wrong. If I had kids old enough I would watch the show with them.

Jenniferk08 · July 2010

i've never watched that show but i live it.. i have a 13 yr old who comes with her baby to the clinic. a 16 yr old that was preg with triplets and had some complications. a slew of 14 yr olds that get pregnant just so they can get out of their youth facility. and of course the usual prom pregnancies and summer boredoms that come through our door around september.

how can i forget the ones that have a baby soon after the first so they can get their bigger apartments, yes that does happen and the women have told us that's why.

HisAngel721 · July 2010

I used to think the show glorified teens moms too, until I watched it. I admit I was wrong too. It saddens me to watch it, to see those young girls crying. Of course in the beginning they seem to have a semi-handle on things and things are sort of going there way; but ultimately their friends do leave and their boyfriend usually leaves or they find out later he's been with other girls. The show really does portray most of the hardships and how painful it is for those girls to go through something. Especially the one I watched where she gave up her child for adoption. That was a very mature decision to make. I disagree that it glorifies teen pregnancy in any way. All of the girls on there say they wish they would've waited and shows how hard it is to have to get up and take care of their babies so young and go to school and work to provide.

pawcall · July 2010

The show bothers me. I don't watch it regularly, but I've seen 4 or 5 episodes here and there. Yes, the girls are usually showed looking very miserable once the baby is born - BUT - every episode I've seen has shown that their parents help them out so they can finish school and pay for everything they need. These moms have piles and piles of baby gifts from their teen-filled baby showers and really only seem to have to worry about not being able to go party. The births and babies are healthy and uncomplicated

Do I think being a teen mom is a walk in the park? No way. But I don't think this show gets that across very well to teens.

Jayfinn · July 2010

Rachael_5711:
I personally have never seen the show, but it seems like it is glorifying being a teen mom, my kids will never watch that crap!

I think you should check out the show next time it's on.

There's nothing glorifying about watching a teen mom drop out of school, lose most of their friends, lose the father of her baby because he doesn't give a crap about her, fight with parents, miss out on college, not being able to pay medical bills and rent because she's broke...

Any teenager who thinks this is the life, has serious issues, which IMO stems from poor parenting in the first place. Not from the show.

HisAngel721 · July 2010

lyzp07:

Actually, I disagree with all of you, in respect. I just turned 21, and a lot of my friends are younger than me (so that makes them teens!) and all of my cousins are in high school. Also, all my friends at college watch the show too.

If you ask me, it's shows like "A Baby Story" and "Bringing Home Baby" that make it seem like a piece of cake (I grew up watching these, ALWAYS wanted kids). They always have support of their families, they have a significant other, the whole 9 yards. But in teen mom, they're not like oh I tried so hard to have a baby, they're more like, i'm pregnant, none of my friends like me anymore and my boyfriend abandoned me, not appealing. Not to mention, all teen moms get called whores, white trash, etc. by their peers, whether they are these things or not.

No teen I know wants to go through this. In fact, a lot of girls I know won't have sex in high school because they don't want to risk having a baby, birth control defects and condoms breaking?! Yeah they're are some girls out there who want kids when they're teens, but it's definitely up to their parents to educate them. I'm not about to critique on parenting styles, you do yours, I do mine.

But no, I don't think it's ruining society. I actually cry during some of the episodes because I feel so terrible for the girls. So does everyone else I know. If they don't know what you're preventing them from, then they won't care.

I just turned 21 too and I was 6 weeks pregnant on my birthday. Most of my friends are teens as well and they watch the show It has really helped my sister see that it's NOT easy and that even though I'm married, it won't be easy for me at this age. At this time in life. Best of luck to you! It is nice to see another happy, young mommy! Too many girls, if they get pregnant at our age, don't accept it well and aren't happy at all. I think this is a blessing that was apparently meant to be for me

Lilena · July 2010

Yeah I actually watch that show alot. And some cases are different, you have some of the girls who come from wealthier families and are able to still go to school etc and do what they want. But some of them it doesn't go that way. And pretty much all of them say it was a mistake, and they should have waited. The purpose of this show is not make kids wanna have kids. It's to show them that it isn't a joke, it's not playing house. It's real and it's hard.

I have had just seen the girl who gave her baby up for adoption on many other shows now, I just seen her on Dr Oz the other day saying that kids should wait to have sex, and that it's not responsible etc etc.

And the reunion shows with Dr Drew are def def def trying to show people that it's not all fun in games. They show alot of the stuff that didn't air. I promise you if Dr Drew is involved it is to show the BAD things that can happen.

But I will admit some of those girls are rotten little brats. Bitching they wanna go hang out with their friends and crap. Getting mad when their parents put their foot down. Grow up you have a baby now, there's no time for that you gave up your highschool "fun" years to become an adult with a child.

MrsTotty · July 2010

lyzp07:
Actually, I disagree with all of you, in respect. I just turned 21, and a lot of my friends are younger than me (so that makes them teens!) and all of my cousins are in high school. Also, all my friends at college watch the show too.
If you ask me, it's shows like "A Baby Story" and "Bringing Home Baby" that make it seem like a piece of cake (I grew up watching these, ALWAYS wanted kids). They always have support of their families, they have a significant other, the whole 9 yards. But in teen mom, they're not like oh I tried so hard to have a baby, they're more like, i'm pregnant, none of my friends like me anymore and my boyfriend abandoned me, not appealing. Not to mention, all teen moms get called whores, white trash, etc. by their peers, whether they are these things or not.
No teen I know wants to go through this. In fact, a lot of girls I know won't have sex in high school because they don't want to risk having a baby, birth control defects and condoms breaking?! Yeah they're are some girls out there who want kids when they're teens, but it's definitely up to their parents to educate them. I'm not about to critique on parenting styles, you do yours, I do mine.
But no, I don't think it's ruining society. I actually cry during some of the episodes because I feel so terrible for the girls. So does everyone else I know. If they don't know what you're preventing them from, then they won't care.

I completely agree with you. I was 26 when I had my first and even I thought those stupid Baby Story and Bringing Home Baby shows made having and raising a baby look way too early. I can't STAND those shows.

I don't watch 16 and Pregnant, but only because they're too sad for me. I don't think they glorify pregnancy at all. I think they're a great wakeup call for any teen on how the consequences of one night of 'fun' can change their entire life. Last season's episode dealing with the teen giving her baby up for adoption was the saddest thing I've ever seen. It was a GREAT episode though. I honestly think they should sit kids down in health class and make them watch some of the scarier episodes.

KamMitchy · July 2010

Jayfinn:

Any teenager who thinks this is the life, has serious issues, which IMO stems from poor parenting in the first place. Not from the show.

This.

mommyndoula · July 2010

cdobry01:
Do I think being a teen mom is a walk in the park? No way. But I don't think this show gets that across very well to teens.

I agree with this statement. I've seen the show several times and while I didn't feel like it glorified teen pregnancy, I don't think it went far enough to show how hard it is to be a teen mom.

Teen pregnancy is a problem despite this show being on. Dozens of the teen girls I've supported through labor can't even afford cable to be able to see the show.

This is a socio-economic issue with most of the girls I have been with through labor. 1. Most of them were children to teen moms themselves (I even saw it a 4 generation deep issue; great-grandma was only in her 50's) 2. Most of their friends had babies as teenagers 3. At 13, 14, 15, 16 it's really hard to get a job to support a baby and getting what you need free makes it easy to have another, and another (there's no responsibility for actions) 4. Most of these girls need counseling. Drugs/alcohol abuse, poverty run very deep in their social networks and subsequently they receive a lack of love, so many of these girls seek that love through anyone who will give it to them (casual sex included) and babies then love unconditionally. Why look for it from someone who can't/won't give it? (this becomes the parental issue)... Here's a non-low income example: Bristol Palin... parents who are absent from the home or too busy, even if money isn't an issue, create the same scenario as families who have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. There's got to be a balance of parental involvement in this 2-income society.

Most of the teens I have been with weren't working on 1 baby, they were working on their 2nd and 3rd and for one, she was pregnant with babies #4, 5 & 6 (spontaneous. hows that for luck)

This is a deep rooted issue that has nothing to do with a TV show. I do think it's a topic MTV shouldn't have touched, but then again, I think MTV should have stuck to music videos in general.

sciteach104 · July 2010

Rachael_5711:
I personally have never seen the show, but it seems like it is glorifying being a teen mom, my kids will never watch that crap!

i agree. what is wrong with MTV?? the parents always seem to be thrilled and want to help.

Molluskwrangler · July 2010

I think it depends on what Teen is watching it, I just watched some talk show with 13 and 14 year old girls saying they were TRYING to get pregnant! They said it's easy, all those girls on 16 and pregnant can do it, and the babies are so cute.

It made me really angry, I don't think that the show is ruining society but they should show a girl who's parents kicked her out or who has a harder struggle. No, the show doesn't make it look like a piece of cake, but they don't really show it for what it is either.

chickiemmy · July 2010

I went though and read this whole discussion. I don't feel that the show is ruining society but I do strongly feel that show like this one and shows like a Secret Life of an American Teenager and numerous other shows on the air at this time..glorify Teen pregnancy. I do not personally believe in teen pregnancy and but I do know that it does happen. For many reasons but for the most reason it is that teen are irresponsible, stupid and do not take the correct precautions. Also I like to say that teenagers think they have a superman complex that "it could never happen to them" I find that it is very hard for me to see teens with babies, maybe because I always protected myself and when we did decide to have a baby we tried to do it under the best circumstances!! We have a stable house, my husband is amazing and has a great job, I have the support from my family and his. I hate to say this but alot of these teens fall through the cracks and then they end up in the system and alot of times abusing the system. it makes them dependent on society to feel sorry for them and that they are owed something. I am a strong believer of you got yourself in you get yourself out!

mrsjanks · July 2010

I know I'm really late, but I just wanted to add...

Have you seen Teen Mom? It's the show that follows 4 of the 16 and pregnant girls now that they have babies and toddlers. It definately does not glorify the situations these young ladies are in. Many of them are no longer living with their parents, either.

I teach 7th, 11th, and 12th grade life science and anatomy. I have to teach about reproduction and sex ed to 12-13 year olds and 18 year olds. I've been doing this for 4 years now. I've never heard a student, no matter what grade he or she is in, say that pregnancy is easy based on what they've seen on 16 and Pregnant/Teen Mom.

I think the shows do as good of a job as a "reality" show can at telling teens the issues with pregnancy.

MrsTotty · July 2010

chickiemmy:
I do not personally believe in teen pregnancy ...

What does this even mean?

RHitch · July 2010

I watch the show, and I do not think it?s glorifying teen pregnancy at all. In fact, most of the time I cry when I see what those girls have to go through, and I thank God for not putting me in that position. The reality of the matter is that many of us started having s*x as teenagers. We just didn?t get caught up. However, I don?t think we are any better or worse than those girls. There was an episode recently where a girl had to give her baby up for adoption, and it was the saddest thing I have ever seen. Most of those girls have to drop out of school, many lose friends, a lot of the ?boyfriends? disappear or disclaim the baby, and many of them cannot afford medical bills. Also, I watched the follow up show once, and that really gives you a realistic view of being a teen mom. All of those girls said if they could do it again they would have never gotten pregnant. Many of them cried and told how difficult it is. I think it?s a good show because it shows teenagers that having a baby is not all smiles and rainbows.

RHitch · July 2010

MrsTotty:

chickiemmy:
I do not personally believe in teen pregnancy ...

What does this even mean?

LOL!!!

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