Public Spark

Here are some excellent resources that I have found regarding the prevention of teen pregnancy.

For Parents:

The National Campaign to prevent teen and unplanned pregnancy lists tips for parents to help their children to avoid teen pregnancy. Here are some of the tips listed from this article:

• Talk with children early and often about sex- there are a variety of age appropriate resources to assist in communicating effectively with children.

• Supervise and monitor- I believe that this have to mean not letting your teen go out at all. There should be a clear communication of appropriate boundaries and rules, as well as consequences for not abiding by those rules.

• Help children have options that are more appealing than teen pregnancy

• Know your child’s friends and family

• Know what your kids are watching, reading, and listening to

For Teens:

Stay teen has tips on how to avoid pregnancy for teens. These include:

• You’re in charge of your own life- don’t let anyone pressure you into having sex

• If you’re drunk or high, you can’t make good decisions about sex

• Sex won’t make him yours, a baby won’t make him stay

• You have many good reasons to say “no, not yet”

• Just because you think “everyone is doing it,” doesn’t mean they are

Resources:

• National Campaign to prevent teen and unplanned pregnancy has a homepage with links to various resources.

• Almanac of policy Issues lists some of the Health and Human Services programs designed to prevent teen pregnancy.