Honestly, is this a sign that the world is coming to an end? The network that has given us Beavis and Butt-Head, Punk’d, Road Rules and Jackass has played an important role in the recent drop in teen pregnancy. How is that possible?
A new government study, according to the Christian Science Monitor, shows the US teen birthrate falling dramatically in 2009 after a five percent increase from 2005 to 2007. Experts say that this drop is partially due in part to MTV‘s “16 and Pregnant” documentary series, which many teens credit with opening their eyes to the consequences of unprotected sex and early parenthood.
A report by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy shows that parental influence is the most-cited factor by teens when it comes to avoiding teen pregnancy. But the report also specifically cites the popular MTV series, indicating that 82 percent of teens say the show helps them better understand the challenges of teen pregnancy and parenthood and why they should avoid it.
“Entertainment media is one of the nation’s favorite punching bags, but we have acknowledge that when we’re talking about teen pregnancies media can be and often is a force for good, and that is particularly true when it comes to shows like ’16 and Pregnant,’” says Bill Albert, a spokesman for the National Campaign. “Some critics say these shows glamorize teen pregnancy, but our survey data shows that’s not the case – that not only do they not glamorize it, but teens who have seen it suggest it makes the realities of teen parenthood more real to them.”
“16 and Pregnant,” which chronicles the real-life travails of teen moms and dads through rocky relationships and the complicated emotional roller-coaster ride of having a baby, first aired in June 2009. MTV also has a follow-up show, “Teen Mom.”
After leveling off in 2008, teen pregnancies declined by 6 percent in 2009, to a record low, according to a Centers for Disease Prevention and Control study. The reduction cut across all ethnic and racial lines, with Hispanic teen pregnancy rates going down by 10 percent, also to a record low.
“What you see on TV, as a parent, isn’t always exactly what you’d want your teen to know or say or see, but it does deflect the conversation from, ‘What are you doing?’ to more of an abstract, and that can be a good way to start conversations,” Albert said.
I remember when “I want my MTV” was the rallying cry of teenagers (me included), but thanks to the network I think we may hear “I don’t want a baby when I’m 16…I want to finish high school and maybe college…get married or be in a long term relationship…I want a job and some money in the bank before I start a family!” Thanks, MTV!
