Perception and reality often differ dramatically. According to a national telephone survey conducted earlier this year for The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy by Social Science Research Solutions, most American adults are not aware that the rate of teen pregnancy has declined significantly since 1990.
FACT: Since 1990, teen pregnancy has decreased 43%.
FACT: Since 1991, the birth rate among teens has decreased 49%.
Reality Check: 68% of those surveyed who were ages 18-34 believed the teen pregnancy rate had increased (a higher percentage of incorrect assumptions than provided by any other age group).
So What?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen birth rates are now at the lowest levels since tracking began in the 1940s. Only 18% of those responding to the survey correctly answered that the trend in teen pregnancy over the last few decades has been decline (24% assumed the teen pregnancy rate had remained stable and 50% assumed it had increased).
- Why do you think fewer than 1 in 5 adults who took this survey knew that teen pregnancy rates have declined since 1990?
- Explain the scope and sequence of your congregation’s comprehensive human sexuality education. (If you have no idea, then take a minute to ask your youth director/pastor or pastor.)