The recent prgnancy pact of seveteen Gloucester, Massachusetts high school students raises the question  of the media’s impact on teenagers.  The publicity given the pregancy of Jamie Lynn Spears suggests that this is a cool thing for teenage girls to do.  This influence is compunded by movies like Knocked Up  and  Juno. These events set up an environment that breeds copycat  behavior…encouraging teens to imitate the behavior of media stars. 

When the fantasy of motherhood gives way to the reality of nursing, diapering and being responsible for the fragile life of a baby any glamor involved quickly fades. The freedom of youth is sacrificed.  The future of the teen is irreversibly changed.  Teenage fathers are sobered by the prospect of being legally forced to be financially reponsible for  their baby over the next eighteen years or more.  Older fathers may face criminal prosecution in addition to their financial obligations.  Not a pretty prostpect!

This all points to the urgency of  beginning to teach very young children the sanctity of life and the sacredness of sex.  It’s too late to start teaching this when children are ready for junior high school.  If parents are to avoid picking up the pieces of their broken hearts and their children’s shattered lives at the bottom of the cliff where poor sexual decisions have plunged them, they must build a security fence at the top by engaging their children in a dialogue about sex from the time they learn to talk. 

Where are parents going to acquire the information and skills for such a task.  What about getting the educational programs of local churches invovled?  That’s what our Parents First program is designed to do.  You can learn more about this program by calling 330 715 5127.