Article
CDC Info
CDC Info
This article that I found discusses how the STD and teen pregnancy rates have risen in the US since 2005. The article found that due to President Bush's "evangelically-driven education policy", these rates began to rise after a steady decline since 1991. Critics of abstinence only sex education argue that the lack of comprehensive education was to blame for syphilis and pregnancy rates increasing by more than half and gonorrhea lowered rates being reversed. They also found that the rate of HIV has doubled in adolescent males. The article also talks about how theses increases have primarily taken place in southern states, where there is a greater emphasis on abstinence until marriage and religion. It also connects the regional, political, and religious aspects of adolescent sexual health discussion.
I find this article very interesting because it basically goes in hand with our discussions in class. I actually found the information on the Centers for Disease and Prevention site to make sure that this article was accurate and not just politically driven. I personally believe that this information should be presented to every person that supports ignoring teen sex and teaching abstinence only education because this startling information really shouldn't be ignored. What do you all think?
-Jalissa B.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Changing the Curriculum-
Sex-Ed Course Change
This article I found is about a school district trying to update its middle school sex-ed course. It would now include sending racy photos and messages and also violence that goes along with dating. They speak about the new changes and also that the students cannot participate unless the parents sign a permission form.
I know the bill they passed was for parents rights, but I don't really agree with it. I think that all students should be taught to be aware of what is going on with their changing bodies and the environment around them. I understand that everyone parents differently and things change household-to-household but just like Cameron stated "From a public health standpoint, this is the only place our kids get this information. And if they opt out, they won't get it anywhere."
I also feel that knowledge is power. Some parents do not speak about sex and the changes because they want the schools to do that. With my parents my mom spoke to me and was very open about puberty but I knew many people who had no idea until they watched the movie in 4th grade that was 30+ years old.
Also, I found it very interesting to see the comments from other people reading the article if you scroll down.
What do you think about incorporating "sexting" and dating violence to the curriculum? What would you change or add?
(I also found this clip to fit particularly well: Sex Ed Discussion
The entire episode is really interesting and it ties in to a lot of what we've discussed)
~Sarah J.
This article I found is about a school district trying to update its middle school sex-ed course. It would now include sending racy photos and messages and also violence that goes along with dating. They speak about the new changes and also that the students cannot participate unless the parents sign a permission form.
I know the bill they passed was for parents rights, but I don't really agree with it. I think that all students should be taught to be aware of what is going on with their changing bodies and the environment around them. I understand that everyone parents differently and things change household-to-household but just like Cameron stated "From a public health standpoint, this is the only place our kids get this information. And if they opt out, they won't get it anywhere."
I also feel that knowledge is power. Some parents do not speak about sex and the changes because they want the schools to do that. With my parents my mom spoke to me and was very open about puberty but I knew many people who had no idea until they watched the movie in 4th grade that was 30+ years old.
Also, I found it very interesting to see the comments from other people reading the article if you scroll down.
What do you think about incorporating "sexting" and dating violence to the curriculum? What would you change or add?
(I also found this clip to fit particularly well: Sex Ed Discussion
The entire episode is really interesting and it ties in to a lot of what we've discussed)
~Sarah J.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Planned Parenting
article
Because of America's economic deficit, Republican Representatives are proposing to cut Planned Parenting. Planned Parenthood is a for profit organization that offers teens or young adults free women's health check up, birth control, abortion, and std testing. Currently the United States is in debt $1.5 trillion. Republicans propose that cutting Planned Parenthood will help our debt. However, Planned Parenthood's total annual budget is $1billion. Another reason Planned Parenthood may possibly be cut is because of their abortion rate. Abortion is a very controversial issue today. According to the article, in 2009 more than 800 Planned Parenthoods formed more than 332,278 abortions.
In my opinion, I think it is wrong to cut Planned Parenthood. Government officials says their main reason of cutting is because of money, but I think its because they offer abortion and "advocate teenage sex."I feel that if Planned Parenthood were to be no longer, I think teen birth rates would rise again. Many of young girls and boys use this organization and I really think it is beneficial in today's health.
How do you feel about Planned Parenthood being cut? Do you think the government is trying to cut it for the right reason? What do you think will happen if Planned Parenthood were to be no longer?
-Mary Kate
Because of America's economic deficit, Republican Representatives are proposing to cut Planned Parenting. Planned Parenthood is a for profit organization that offers teens or young adults free women's health check up, birth control, abortion, and std testing. Currently the United States is in debt $1.5 trillion. Republicans propose that cutting Planned Parenthood will help our debt. However, Planned Parenthood's total annual budget is $1billion. Another reason Planned Parenthood may possibly be cut is because of their abortion rate. Abortion is a very controversial issue today. According to the article, in 2009 more than 800 Planned Parenthoods formed more than 332,278 abortions.
In my opinion, I think it is wrong to cut Planned Parenthood. Government officials says their main reason of cutting is because of money, but I think its because they offer abortion and "advocate teenage sex."I feel that if Planned Parenthood were to be no longer, I think teen birth rates would rise again. Many of young girls and boys use this organization and I really think it is beneficial in today's health.
How do you feel about Planned Parenthood being cut? Do you think the government is trying to cut it for the right reason? What do you think will happen if Planned Parenthood were to be no longer?
-Mary Kate
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Parent's Struggle With Child's iPad Addiction
Article from New York Times
Last week we talked about parenting. Parenting, to me is interesting to talk about. Parent's want to be described or viewed as "good" (above average) parents. Or at least I know I want to be an "awesome" mom someday. However, what does it mean to be a good mom? How do we define or characterize a good parent from a bad parent. Is there a defenitive line or is it more abstract?
We all have different views, "moral compasses", religious backgrounds, personalities, etc. that will define how each of us parent differently or what we view as acceptable/unacceptable parenting. I have conflicting views about the parenting style or lack there of in this article. The mother is struggling with her 6 yr. olds addiction to the ipad. To me the parent is the one that allowed the child to get "addicted" in the first place. It was probably used as a bribe to get the child to behave or quiet the child while mom or dad was having a conversation, out to dinner, etc. The mom says that the child wants the ipad whenever there is any down time during the day but thats not always what he gets. She said that his behavior is uncharacteristic of him when she tells him its time to put it down. And that he uses the ipad to play educational games. I've also seen/heard stories like this with video game consoles I think that the mother is contributing to the problem and possibly enabling that child further by allowing him to use the ipad IF HIS BEHAVIOR WORSENS when she takes it away. I would not allow my child to continue to use the ipad if he/she threw a tantrum everytime they were told it was time to put it up. I believe that his problem can be fixed and won't have an long term negative effects but I don't think it's the child's fault that he is "addicted" to an ipad.
On the other hand, the child is using the ipad for educational games that help develop creative thinking (especially in a 6 year old), story telling skills, and other cognitive skills. I think that using new technology to help advace a child's development is good however, only in moderation. So I am conflicted that the mom is using the ipad to calm the child down and that it has gotten to a level where the child acts uncharacteristically with it being taken away. However, when it is being used, its used in an appropriate way much like watching educational tv.
What is your opinion or view on this article or what I have said?
- Nicole A.
Last week we talked about parenting. Parenting, to me is interesting to talk about. Parent's want to be described or viewed as "good" (above average) parents. Or at least I know I want to be an "awesome" mom someday. However, what does it mean to be a good mom? How do we define or characterize a good parent from a bad parent. Is there a defenitive line or is it more abstract?
We all have different views, "moral compasses", religious backgrounds, personalities, etc. that will define how each of us parent differently or what we view as acceptable/unacceptable parenting. I have conflicting views about the parenting style or lack there of in this article. The mother is struggling with her 6 yr. olds addiction to the ipad. To me the parent is the one that allowed the child to get "addicted" in the first place. It was probably used as a bribe to get the child to behave or quiet the child while mom or dad was having a conversation, out to dinner, etc. The mom says that the child wants the ipad whenever there is any down time during the day but thats not always what he gets. She said that his behavior is uncharacteristic of him when she tells him its time to put it down. And that he uses the ipad to play educational games. I've also seen/heard stories like this with video game consoles I think that the mother is contributing to the problem and possibly enabling that child further by allowing him to use the ipad IF HIS BEHAVIOR WORSENS when she takes it away. I would not allow my child to continue to use the ipad if he/she threw a tantrum everytime they were told it was time to put it up. I believe that his problem can be fixed and won't have an long term negative effects but I don't think it's the child's fault that he is "addicted" to an ipad.
On the other hand, the child is using the ipad for educational games that help develop creative thinking (especially in a 6 year old), story telling skills, and other cognitive skills. I think that using new technology to help advace a child's development is good however, only in moderation. So I am conflicted that the mom is using the ipad to calm the child down and that it has gotten to a level where the child acts uncharacteristically with it being taken away. However, when it is being used, its used in an appropriate way much like watching educational tv.
What is your opinion or view on this article or what I have said?
- Nicole A.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
"Good" Parenting
Since class this morning, I have had many debates in my thoughts as to what makes good parenting. When doing the activity I picked my answers based on what I would do if I were a parent. After hearing other classmates' arguments as to why they chose the answers they did, I was left questioning my answers. This article discusses ten parenting practices that lead to the best predictable outcomes. None of them necessarily contradict my personal beliefs, but they are "best possible scenario" guidelines a lot more than actual realistic ideals. It also made me sad because many of them may be unattainable for a teen mother. They are getting enough backlash from society for the fact that they are teen mothers, they don't need scientific articles also saying the best they can do is not good enough. Numbers 3, 6, and 8 especially struck me as extra hard for teen mothers to obtain. Have you been thinking about what makes good parenting since class? What are your reactions to the activity when reflecting on it? Which, if any, of these strike you as hard for yourself or teen parents?
-Megan A.
-Megan A.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Depression and Teenage Pregnancy
article
Throughout the semester we have been discussing the issues that surround teenage pregnancy: economic status, environment, education, etc. I found this article very interesting because it discusses how teens mental state also have an impact on the chances of them becoming teen parents. In the study that was conducted researchers found that teen parenthood did not increase the chances of depression in teen mothers, nor did it exacerbate the depression of the mother if she was already suffering. The study actually showed that teens that were more likely to become teen mothers often already experienced depression prior to becoming pregnant. So, depression is also a factor in teen pregnancy as the other factors that we have discussed in class.
I like that this study also addressed teen fathers. Even though there isn't as much information concerning the fathers, the researchers found that the fathers also experienced high levels of anxiety. They also found that fathers that were exposed to abuse as children were more likely to suffer from depression.
I think that the issue of teenage depression should be discussed more. Addressing the depression in teens could possibly be another preventative measure in teen pregnancy.
- -Jalissa
Throughout the semester we have been discussing the issues that surround teenage pregnancy: economic status, environment, education, etc. I found this article very interesting because it discusses how teens mental state also have an impact on the chances of them becoming teen parents. In the study that was conducted researchers found that teen parenthood did not increase the chances of depression in teen mothers, nor did it exacerbate the depression of the mother if she was already suffering. The study actually showed that teens that were more likely to become teen mothers often already experienced depression prior to becoming pregnant. So, depression is also a factor in teen pregnancy as the other factors that we have discussed in class.
I like that this study also addressed teen fathers. Even though there isn't as much information concerning the fathers, the researchers found that the fathers also experienced high levels of anxiety. They also found that fathers that were exposed to abuse as children were more likely to suffer from depression.
I think that the issue of teenage depression should be discussed more. Addressing the depression in teens could possibly be another preventative measure in teen pregnancy.
- -Jalissa
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
High School Distributing the Pill
article
After reading the article about a pregnancy boom at Gloucester High, I was shocked. When I first read it I thought of the Lifetime movie, Pregnancy Pact. However, the article is different. Gloucester is a small fishing town in Massachusetts. Because of the economy, fishers are being sent overseas to fish and this is breaking families apart. Young girls at Gloucester High are lonely and want that unconditional love. They feel by getting pregnant will stop their loneliness and only help them emotionally. In fact, the local doctor issued nearly 150 pregnancy tests to teens that go to Gloucester High.
There are many controversial issues that arise with this story. First, the local doctor has decided to prescribe females with contraceptives without parental consent. Secondly, Principal Joseph Sullivan is facing the dilemma of providing contraceptives such as the pill at school. Do you think that the doctor should continue prescribing contraceptives without consent? Should Principal Sullivan provide the pill? Does he have the right? What should the school do to reach out to those girls who are lonely and are contemplating pregnancy?
-Mary Kate Bartlett
After reading the article about a pregnancy boom at Gloucester High, I was shocked. When I first read it I thought of the Lifetime movie, Pregnancy Pact. However, the article is different. Gloucester is a small fishing town in Massachusetts. Because of the economy, fishers are being sent overseas to fish and this is breaking families apart. Young girls at Gloucester High are lonely and want that unconditional love. They feel by getting pregnant will stop their loneliness and only help them emotionally. In fact, the local doctor issued nearly 150 pregnancy tests to teens that go to Gloucester High.
There are many controversial issues that arise with this story. First, the local doctor has decided to prescribe females with contraceptives without parental consent. Secondly, Principal Joseph Sullivan is facing the dilemma of providing contraceptives such as the pill at school. Do you think that the doctor should continue prescribing contraceptives without consent? Should Principal Sullivan provide the pill? Does he have the right? What should the school do to reach out to those girls who are lonely and are contemplating pregnancy?
-Mary Kate Bartlett
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