Through my research I have learned that even though I originally thought I knew basically everything there was to know about my topic, when it came down to it and I actually started digging for more information, I practically knew nothing at all. I was aware of the common knowledge everyone is exposed to about premarital sex and teenage pregnancies, but never had asked questions about the facts I was given. I suppose it may have been because there was no reason for me to ask. You grow up with such trust in adults, just to grow up and realize that a handful of what they have told you has been lies. Of course they say they lie just to protect you, but especially with this subject, why not just say how it is straight up? Doing this could only help us!
It turns out once I searched and looked for more information it was there waiting for me! Although most of what I found was in line with what I had previously had come to believe, I think I got a better, real and more educated view on things. Since I was young and would argue with my older brother he would always bring up points I believed to be true, and they wouldn't be your normal everyday information. They would be ground breaking facts that I'd be so shocked to learn about, I'd drop the argument and run to tell all my friends. Only to find out a few days later, all my friends had asked their parents and the fact wasn't true at all! After witnessing so many of these types of conversations with people (not just my brother, but even important people on TV news etc!) I decided that I would never be someone who started the flow of false information again. Ever since then before I make a statement I make sure I have the most up to date information before I go blurting out straight opinions.
I feel that teenage pregnancy has been on the rise, not only in the amount of actual girl who are pregnant but in the media as well. It has become a big topic of controversy and especially since I have grown up with a personal attachment to the subject I felt a stronger pull to find out more in-depth information so I could have a more educated opinion and know when facts are just being thrown around instead of seriously.
I have learned a lot about myself through this whole experience as well. When you read so many articles from these kids point of view you get thinking how you would react, how your friends would react, how your parents would react, and how your own personal life would change due to an unexpected pregnancy at such a young age. I would never say to not have fun and go be a reckless teenager, but honestly you've got to not have a brain or any common sense to think that means to go all out. There are limits to everything, no matter how much you may hate that. If you think you are "grown up" enough to go out to parties on your own without a parent, you should be grown up enough to know your limits, and that acting stupid doesn't make you look cool -- it only makes you look stupid! Being responsible is a main aspect of considering someone grown up and acting like an adult. You have to be smart and not just think and act in the moment. Everything has an effect no matter how big or small. I know that when I am older and have kids of my own I am going to be very open with them about sex and the results of it. I would never want my child to end up like the many (too many in my opinion) teenagers these days whose lives basically screech to a halt, and make a run for the other directions when they have babies of their own.
I still believe that premarital sex cannot be completely stopped but it can be cut down, better knowledge and facts can be given to everyone about all of the ways to have safe sex if its going to be had. I know that teenagers especially have a mind of their own and don't like to be told what to do. Often they will do the opposite of what you tell them just so they feel independent and like they've made the decision. We can avoid this behavior by giving the younger generations the information they need to be safe, and to not tell them what they have to do (not have sex). All we can do is ADVISE them not to do it because of the potential physical and mental affects, be completely open to any questions and/or concerns and let them know we are always there to support them. By making them feel safe and educated on the subject, next time the opportunity comes up or they are exposed to something, they know what they should do and won't feel conflicted about information given.
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