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Issue Description
The UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Western Europe – seven times that of the Netherlands and double that of France or Germany. This book provides information on trends surrounding teenage conceptions, the options available to pregnant young people, the challenges and stigma faced by young parents and how underage pregnancy can best be tackled.
The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.
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Key Facts
- One in five young men and nearly half the young women surveyed, who were aged 16 to 24, said they wished they had waited longer to start having sex. (page 1)
- The UK has the highest teenage birth and abortion rates in Western Europe. (page 2)
- The under-16 conception rate increased from 7.8 per 1,000 girls aged 13 to 15 in 2006 to 8.3 in 2007. (page 3)
- 95% of people over-estimate the rate of under-16s who get pregnant each year and the same amount are unaware of the significant drop in this figure over the last decade. (page 10)
- One in five young men and almost half of young men between the ages of 16 and 24 surveyed wished they had waited longer to start having sex. (page 12)
- Many people believe that girls get pregnant to get a flat of their own from the Council. In fact, most young mums have little knowledge of housing policy before getting pregnant. (page 16)
- The pill is highly effective but does not protect women from STIs. (page 22)
- Around 80% of under-18 conceptions are in 16- and 17-year-olds, which is the age most young people become sexually active. (page 23)
- Young people are more likely to use sexual health services if they can access them in schools, according to research. (page 24)
- 75% of 11- to 14-year-olds want, but currently find it difficult, to talk about sex and relationships with their parents. 99% feel talking wouldn’t encourage them to have sex as many parents fear. (page 25)
- One of the many reasons why the Netherlands and Scandanavia have been so successful in reducing their teenage pregnancy rates is that parents in these countries talk more openly to their children about sex and relationships from a young age. (page 25)
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Table of Contents
Chapter One: Pregnant Teenagers
Teenagers: sexual behaviour and pregnancy, Conception rate increases among under-18s, Frequently asked questions about pregnancy, Teenage pregnancy, Teenage pregnancy facts, How many teens get pregnant?, Brook uncovers public ignorance over teenage pregnancy, Cutting teen pregnancy the Dutch way, Condoms to be advertised on TV pre-watershed, Activities.
Chapter Two: Young Parents
Parenthood, Young mums: the real story, Young dads: the real story, Activities.
Chapter Three: Preventing Teenage Pregnancy
Condoms and contraception, Condoms: know the facts, Contraception and teenage pregnancy, School sex clinics could reduce teenage pregnancy, Everyday conversations, every day, Activities.
