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Experts: Start a conversation with your teen
Published Saturday, September 5, 2009
The numbers don’t lie.
The teenage pregnancy rate in the city of Suffolk is higher than the state’s average rate of teenage pregnancy.
In 2007, 173 teenage girls were pregnant in Suffolk (the city had 5,712 teenage girls living in Suffolk at the time).
Out of those 173 pregnant teens, 53 chose to have abortions, while another 20 suffered through miscarriages.
The remaining new mothers faced an entirely different set of challenges.
Studies show that teen mothers are less likely to complete high school, much less to continue on to post-secondary education. That limits their earning potential, which in turn raises the likelihood that they will wind up on welfare, paid for by taxpayers.
Other studies show that the children of teen mothers are more likely to have psychological problems, poor reading ability and performance in school. They also are more likely to have been in contact with the criminal justice system and to become involved with drugs and alcohol.
Where does a society go from here?
Local experts say it all comes down to one thing: conversation.
“Parents need to know its OK to talk about the subject of sex,” said Cheryl Turner, program director for Lighthouse Outreach, Inc., a non-profit organization that works to give young people safe alternatives and educational tools for making life decisions. “A great part of building healthy relationships is basic knowledge. It’s having conversations. It’s talking about sex with your kids, and that’s not happening.”
According to Children Now and the Kaiser Family Foundation, studies show that “kids who feel they can talk with their parents about sex are less likely to engage in high-risk behavior as teens than kids who do not feel they can talk with their parents about the subject.”
But officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data this July saying parents are not talking to their children about sex, birth control or sexually transmitted diseases.
According to the results, only 49.8 percent of 18- and 19-year-old girls and 35 percent of 18- and 19-year-old boys had ever talked with a parent about methods of birth control. More than 80 percent of boys and girls said they had received formal instruction before age 18 on how to say no to sex, and a little less than a third of teen girls and boys had received no instruction on methods of birth control.
“We need to talk about it,” Turner said. “It’s going to be uncomfortable for all of us, but just do it. Do it in detail. Don’t go for short answers. The short answers we’re using aren’t covering all of the issue. Telling children to ‘wait until you’re older’ isn’t cutting it. Give explicit answers on why. Talk about the good parts too. Say what the positive parts are, but we need to talk about it. We need to say what the consequences are and we need to say those consequences are real.”
Editor’s Note: This is the sixth and final story in a series concerning teenage pregnancy in the city of Suffolk.
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Comments
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In the beginning, I too felt the original article was promoting kids having kids. I saw no good in the article like many others. However I now thank the SNH for their continuing to investigate the facts and the problem that it is. It gave us all a platform to express our concerns, to show that it is a culture thing, It is a racial issue, and a moral issue. The SNH might not have what some would call investigative reporters, It is small "hometown" paper which took on a local, state and national issue. We heard those who rejoiced. We heard from those who are tired of having illerate morons who think they are intitled to be taken care of. When the SNH and others who presented facts, and truth those who defended the "self proclaimed" victims went quiet with their comments and rebutal because they could not dispute facts and the truth.. Thank you SNH for your follow up and reporting. They gave us all insight to what agencies are out there who can help.A family such as the Mayfields who I consider pillars of society. There are not enough of them and all of society owes them a THANK YOU AS WELL. Including people like Ms. "Star" Jenkins...
Posted by KNRMCO (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you OD. the SNH has gone to great lengths to redeem themself. We ccannot stop teenage pregnancy & sex, we can only educate, by that i mean it needs to start with the parent/parents. I never was an advocate of teenage sex, however i always said I would & i did, teach & talk about sex and provide BC pills if necessary. Finishing HS, college, getting a job were our top priorities for our chilldren (boy & girl). Why, our son is now 28 & our daughter is 25 (both married) and we still don't have grandchildren...maybe i talked to them too much about pre-marital sex!
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When we have this problem with pets we have them fixed,this would help the over population of deers also,what about people?
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 6, 2009 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When Obama flies the flag of PR of China on the WH lawn in abt a week or so, you should be so proud bat...
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Peoples republic on the white house lawn sounds like George Bush's administration.We still have the same problems, people have to learn how to change for the better of mankind.
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
yep by govt controlled birth control, and China leads the world in human rights acceptance or would you prefer to see a Hitler type of gene control and a super race?
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So every few years we open the wildlife population that is being controlled due govt control,we do what to the population such as deer, even other species by killing some of them off. Maybe this is what we should do with humans as well.
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Batman what are you? You support Obama's policies? On the issue of population control maybe you should attempt to understand what his policy is, welcome to the Nesw World Order comrade. Please show just cause in the following. sieg heil could work as well
http://www.lifenews.com/int981.html
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sieg heil-or the victory yell, Iam from old Virginny, and I love the confederate anthem.Ye-Ha-but seriously I think Obama is just trying new things and working new ground,when it comes down to push and shove he'll do the right thing.And by the way Germany is a great place with terrific people, they've come along ways since Nazi Germany.
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Confederate yell?, You want to explain that with population control?We arent talking abt the germany of today fool. How old are you. Why dont you speak to your parents and grand parents regarding your existance and population control. If your so concerned why not do your part now and get a vasectomy now, by doing that now, it might save the world of more ignorance. As for push comes to shove open wide its going to be shoved down all of our throats. Personal liberties are in danger being lost all in the name of communism, marixsim and socialism. Have you bought your brown shirt, jack boots and joined Obama's (Hitler's Youth Corps) Bet you will; be singing Dixie, hollering Confederate yells and waving the Stars and Bars.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's to bad you have already polluted the world with your gentics,I never had any children and I never plane to. Yes Iam doing my part.All without a vasectomy.You worry to much.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OD you are the type of person that start wars, because you over react and blow things out of context.I just hope your children and god forbid grandchildren don't take after you.
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well bat man , you cant deal with adult issues as an adult. You question how my kids and grand kids may or may not take after me. You are crossing a line you need to actually as an juvenile or adult to think think about. If you would like to debate fact then do it When you have your own then you might have some right to criticize.Meantime I will listen to the crickets.Come back when you grow up....and the word is plan not plane. Yes I do worry about this once great country. I served it with pride honor and with character. It took over 200 years to build and one election to destroy it. I signed a blank check made payable to America upon my death or injury. I will still honor that check when the time comes. What have you done for the country? I wish you well son
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Give me a break, you are the one who crossed the line first,and all of a sudden you are a spell checker,you should have never been allowed to have children.You have a very destructive nature about you which Iam sure has caused you years of grieve.You are good at dishing it out, but you sure can't take it.How do I know you served our country, whats your name? I'll go look it up and find out.I think you are a big fake.The crickets are probably the only friends you have.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OD do us all a favor and kick the bucket already,that blank check isn't worth the paper it is written on.Maybe they can do a cremation for $500.00.And that little pin you have when you worked at the police department, leave it to your grandchild, maybe they will believe you really were somebody.
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess if I ever lived in China I would not have had any kids nor grand kids batman.. Batman, you can attack the messenger all you want. Why not debate my comments and facts. You grow silent and commence with personal attacks. How mature. I owe you nothing. When you can provide a DD214 or more please present it. My check is good, problem is Obama's arent, he has broke the country..Facts Batboy..just the facts,
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
President Bush has revoked funding for the UNFPA every year during his administration for violating a U.S. law prohibiting sending public funds to groups that promote forced abortions. A law that Obama ignores..America's greatest asset is its people. Colin Powell who voted for Obama still stands with the Bush policy.
Obama's science czar wnats- Forcibly and unknowingly sterilizing the entire population by adding infertility drugs to the nation’s water and food supply.
- Legalizing “compulsory abortions,” ie forced abortions carried out against the will of the pregnant women, as is common place in Communist China where women who have already had one child and refuse to abort the second are kidnapped off the street by the authorities before a procedure is carried out to forcibly abort the baby.
- Babies who are born out of wedlock or to teenage mothers to be forcibly taken away from their mother by the government and put up for adoption. Another proposed measure would force single mothers to demonstrate to the government that they can care for the child, effectively introducing licensing to have children.
- Implementing a system of “involuntary birth control,” where both men and women would be mandated to have an infertility device implanted into their body at puberty and only have it removed temporarily if they received permission from the government to have a baby.
- Permanently sterilizing people who the authorities deem have already had too many children or who have contributed to “general social deterioration”.
- Formally passing a law that criminalizes having more than two children, similar to the one child policy in Communist China.
- This would all be overseen by a transnational and centralized “planetary regime” that would utilize a “global police force” to enforce the measures outlined above. The “planetary regime” would also have the power to determine population levels for every country in the world.
Instead of attacking the women of the world, why not force the men of the world to comply with these laws. Batboy would you do this for your fearless Commuinst/ Muslim leader. You know for the supreme being and the world? Step up and be a man. You ever why laws that Obama and his ilk want are against women? Muslims and the Koran think that women should be subservent to the man, no matter what when or why. Obama is a Muslim. when are you converting and saying good by to your Confederate Virginia values based on Southern Christianity.Belief in ones heritage, knowlwdge and history.? Instead of rebel yells you can go to your knees face the east with your butt in the air. Call out to Allah for the complete destruction of your our country history and heritage of being the greatest country in the world. They cant do it with force but maybe internally as Obama is trying.
Posted by mcdb (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Batman, You've been a part of a lot of discussions on this page- so you know we've all remained civil, despite our disagreements. You've really crossed the line on this one. When you personally attack someone, your argument loses credibility. For the sake of all of us, can't we keep this about the topic at hand and not about accosting a veteran? Any of us who have participated in these discussions are in some way familiar with OD and his service to our country. If my memory serves me correctly- on another topic- didn't you say you were a teacher for SPS? As a teacher, we are in the business of helping others...your words and vicious attacks serve to aid no one (and from what you've shared in your posts here, I hope you're not an English or History teacher).
Posted by am (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mcdb, THANK YOU! I posted a similar comment on the cost cutting story about sticking to the topic at hand, but I guess it needed to be posted in this story as well.
Have a good opening tomorrow and for the rest of the year!
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When it comes time to go public regarding who I am, my obituary will be posted. We as a family are proud of my life, my accomplishments in all sectors of private and personal life. What Iam most proud of is my family, my service to my country. I was raised to honor and defend it when the time came.. There are two other things I deeply believe in.
A.I as a Christan understand how Christans make good soliders and leaders. We understand applied tasks.
B. I may not know what journey God will lead me on when my time comes. What I do know is I like what I saw, I like what I did. I owe no one anything, I owe no apologies. If God accepts me, then I guess I did right in my life.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mcdb you must not have read all the comments because if you need you would know who drew the first sword,and as for being a teacher I wouldn't waste four years of college to make $45.000 a year. And OD is a she not a he.And as for lack of credibility because of a personal attack, again you do not know OD as well as you think.So why don't you go and get your lesson plans in order or whatever you do for school.And tomorrow you band of witches can sit around the fire and stir the cauldron.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OD- check out LIN broadcasting and belo broadcasting there are a lot of television stations you can post on.Sorry I hurt your feelings but you have a way of pushing my buttons.Don't worry about hurting my feelings, I don't have any.I sometimes spend all day surfing places to post comments.OD maybe you can tell me a good site for trading insults.I already know about youtube.AS for teens having babies I really don't care what they do, your way is alright by me.
Posted by mcdb (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OD and AM...there are no words...ok, no acceptable words. I'll drop it at that. I enjoy our mature discussions- and thank you both for the opportunity to discuss the topics which affect our country and our children.
Posted by thinkingaloud (anonymous) on September 7, 2009 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While I have sometimes vehemently disagreed with OD, I respect his right to his opinions. I am not as fully versed with policy as he appears to be, so often I have not been able to debate him as I would like to. However, I know that his statements will be well thought out and well researched. I find it deplorable when those who comment bring personal relationships or personalities into rational discussions. OD can push my buttons too, but I don't respond with childish rhetoric. I do what my mom always says. If don't have anything good to say, I say nothing at all. And as for the disrespectful comments the writer made regarding teaching --I gladly, willingly, and with much satisfaction, serve SPS and also am an honorably discharged veteran of the United State Army.
Posted by OD (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 2:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mcdb your chosen profession and your sense of what a college education can provide towards ones self worth isnt just based on salary.Its nice to know that you didnt "waste a college education". This grand PA admires true professionals who stand by their profession and convictions.
Thinkingaloud thank you for your service and yes we have butted heads from time to time. however as you said I tend to research my opinion with fact and only attack one who's arguement or statement that is absurb or is just plain null and void.
Due to age difference between us, you might not have known my favorite teacher/s at the old SHS. Mrs. Lucille Williams, Ann Burton, Ann White and Anna Goldberg including Art Jones the principal kept me on the right path. And I owe them many a thanks for their dedecation, commitment to all of us as students. They are all no longer with us.I am sure that there are a smile or two on their faces. Professionals who I know ever thought they were wasting their education, who at that time we probally not making 25 K a year.Times were different then but their objectives, goals were the same then as they are today with all of you professionals who chose to do what you do..I thank you all..
Posted by mcdb (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks OD- Even in the most trying times...and there are many depending on the class/parents...I've never regretted my decision to be a teacher. The only thing I was wondering was when I got a raise to 45K?! Wow! Show me the money! I'm in this business for the love of the kids...not the love of money.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you don't care about the money why not teach at NSA.They pay their teachers less, right.
Posted by mcdb (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who said I didn't?
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Are gym teachers, real teachers?
Posted by mcdb (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd say that if there's 'teacher' in the title- they are teachers...though, that's not my area of expertise. Let's drop this stupid thread with this-
I am a teacher. I've taught in both public and private schools. I have taught for thousands. I have taught for free. I've taught teachers. I've taught children. I've taught gifted students. I've taught those with special needs. I've taught Sunday School. I've worked as a teacher and mentor at the Salvation Army, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and with the Special Olympics.
It's not a matter of money- it's a matter of dedication to our craft (us witches like that word <sarc>).
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Watch the temper teach,I get your drift,All that teaching I quess you have a masters degree with some national board.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess you music teachers do a lot of traveling,huh.
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't forget sacrifice teach
Posted by batman (anonymous) on September 8, 2009 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do you travel with the band on friday nights?I'll bet you get paid extra for that,huh?Now you get back to your teaching duties,OK.
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