Effects of Teenage Pregnancy in the UK - Essay Example

Running Head: TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN THE UK AND ITS EFFECT ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SOCIETY Teenage Pregnancy in the UK and its Effect on Children, Families and Society (Your Name) (Your School) Teenage pregnancy is one of the commonest problems in the contemporary society. It affects the mother, child, family and the society as a whole. The term refers to pregnancy occurring to a girl who is less than 18 years of age. There are many causes of teenage pregnancy including socioeconomic factors, influence from the media, sexual abuse, contraception, dating violence among many others. In Europe UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy (Bradshaw, 2006). However, when compared to other developed countries such as USA and New Zealand the figures are lower. There are a number of reasons for this disparity one of which is delay by the government to address the issue. Teenage mothers as a whole face a number of challenges including drop out of school, lack of income, loss of friends and the relationship with family members deteriorate (Berrington, Diamond, Ingham et al, 2005). Infants born of teenage mothers on the other hand have a higher mortality rate, born with many complications and denied parental love and care (Harden, Bruton, Fletcher and Okley, 2009). There have been various efforts by the government to try and combat this problem. One of the commonest is educating the young about sex. In sex education teenagers are taught the mechanisms of sex and how to prevent pregnancy (Carabine, 2007). However, sex education has been heavily criticized for failing to address issues that matter such as contraceptives. Just like in other countries where teenage pregnancy is low, transparency and early intervention is favoured (Fletcher, 2010). Though the government has done a lot to address the issue, the roots causes are yet to be tackled (Horgan and Kenny, 2007). Teenage pregnancy has been equated to deprivation. Once the government effectively tackles poverty in society, much would have been accomplished in the campaign against teenage pregnancy. The objective of this essay is to give a critical analysis of teenage pregnancy in the UK. It will address the effects on the mother, family and society as a whole. Comparisons will be drawn with other countries which might be experiencing a greater or lesser challenge. Finally, the effectiveness of UK government policies will be evaluated. According to Maslow, growth and survival are the basic explanation to human behaviour. The most important needs for survival are the basic requirements such as food and water which must be satisfied before satisfaction of higher needs. The higher needs though with ability to ensure psychological well-being of individuals have less motivating factor. These needs are influenced by life experiences and formal education. The levels in Maslow’s hierarchy rage from the most basic psychological needs, safety needs, love, self-esteem and finally self-actualization (Sargent, 2001). As they mature most teenagers are perplexed by the abrupt changes in their physical, emotional and cognitive development. This pushes them to try and find their place in the world. The policy to tackle teenage pregnancies should be sensitive to the immediate needs of the teenagers. For instance teenagers are more likely to listen to their teachers and peers as opposed to parents and family members (Hancock, 2005). This means that counsellors, teachers, peers and institutions of learning must play a central role in sex education. Nature versus nurture debate has been cornerstone in child development theories that take child’s perspective in the approach of family and society life. Bronfenbrenner model for instance places the development of the child in relation to its environment (Hancock, 2005). The human development or teenage development can be better understood if various systems such as school and family are kept into perspective. The four interlocking systems according to Bronfenbrenner include micro-system, meso-system, exo-system and macro-system. These systems vary from the family, schools, day-care centres, parental workplace, school boards, and the greater changes in the outside environment such as economic situation, changes in information and technology etc. Other models that emphasis on family and parenting includes Schneewind, Belsky and Caldwell Home inventory. The Schneewind model more than any other development theory takes family system as cornerstone to outcome of the child. Again, considering this theory parents must be able to offer support to their children. Teenage mothers need to talk to those people they feel to have let down. On the other hand the Caldwell Home Inventory agrees with Belsky on the importance of the parent’s personality in a child’s development. According to this theory it is likely that daughters of teenage mothers will become pregnant in their teens (Clarke, 2009). It is for this reason that education and support from the government is required not only to provide for the teenage mothers but also care for the child. The education of teenagers is badly affected as most of them can hardly resume studies after delivery. However, young mothers that are pregnant while still at school somehow manage to complete schooling as opposed to those who dropped out of school prior to pregnancy. In an industrialized country such as the UK, teenage pregnancy affects one’s social class and ability to get employment. Teenage mothers are less likely to receive child support thus turning the majority to government assistance. Due to failure to complete high school, most young women face a challenge to choose careers since their choices are limited. The psychological effects of teenage pregnancies are greatly felt by the mothers. There is always dalliance on the part of the teen to inform the doctor, parents or the father on what is happening to them. The postponement of seeing a doctor has adverse effects on the health of both the child and the teenager (East, 2006). There are those teenagers who despite acceptance of being pregnant are reluctant to change their lifestyle. For instance eating unhealthy foods, drinking alcohol, abuse of drugs, and neglecting care of their bodies are some of the unhealthy lifestyles that persist after conception. They are simply not free to express themselves and their desires. As much as those around the teenager might accept her still there is the larger society which remains critical and judgemental. There exists also narcissism among teenager mothers. Most teen mothers are preoccupied with themselves as opposed to their surrounding. The focus of does not go further than herself and her child. It is likely that the teenager will think mostly about herself and no one else. She wants to be at the centre of attention and all manner of assistance drawn to her and the child. Failure to offer this support brings confusion and blame to those around her. This is a sign of a deeper psychological disturbance. The teenager is simply living in denial and become blinded from the reality of day to day life. It is important that the new reality be made apparent and embraced by all around her. Furthermore, most teenage mothers are filled with a sense of guilt the moment they discover having conceived. The guilt can be twofold either the teenager feels guilty for letting down the family or has a religious guilt. She perceives herself as a sinner or immoral thus affected psychologically. It is important for the teenage mother to share her feelings with a grown up who understands the situation (Department for Education and Skills, 2006). Again, it is the society that instils morality on its members; without too much education on right or wrong teenagers will feel free to indulge in positive sexuality. As they continue to put on weight most teenagers feel uncomfortable and fail to interact freely with friends and colleagues. They become too conscious of their bodies such that just a little criticism is enough to put them off. Oftentimes the teenager is abandoned by friends leading to worry and anxiety about life, career, and education. It may appear to the adolescent that life is collapsing all around her. Reports from pregnant teenagers point to feelings of worthlessness, out of control or of no use to the community (Carabine, 2007). Since the majority are unemployed, few seek social assistance and the rest would depend on government. When compared to other girls who have learning difficulties, low aspirations in education and deprivation in socio-economic profile the difference is negligible. It is true, teenage mothers more than any other teenagers are more likely to commit suicide. Gynaecological immaturity of the mother increases the risks associated with teenage pregnancies. Girls aged between 13 and 15 years are more predisposed to spontaneous miscarriage and poor pregnancy outcome in general (Bradshaw, 2006). In addition most of these adolescents exhibit growth while pregnant. This growth is directly associated with the weight gain, fat stores and weight retention which is far much greater compared to mature women and non-growing adolescents (Holgate, Evans and Yuen FKO, 2006). The offspring of growing adolescents are smaller than those of non-growing adolescents. This foetal growth rate reduction allegedly results when gravid uterus and maternal body compete for nutrients. The Infants are affected psychologically in their development. Behavioural issues and developmental disabilities are common. According to study there is less likelihood that children born of teenage mothers will be stimulated by means of affectionate behaviour such as non verbal and verbal communication (Clarke, 2009). The reasons might be twofold; the teen mother might be inexperienced in raising a child or stressed out due to too much societal pressure and feelings of guilt. It is for this reason that these children end up with low self-esteem, underdeveloped or may lead to death. High mortality rate is recorded among these children due to some of these complications. Most of the infants are underweight, have poor antenatal health and with a much greater risk of congenial anomalies (Berrington, Diamond, Ingham R, et al 2005). Some of the complications on birth come as a result of delay in seeking antenatal care among teenage mothers. Similarly, after the birth of children very few teenagers willingly breast feed their young. Due to this reluctance and the fact that the teens are unemployed, children normally have poor health and growth. Children raised of teenage mothers are also prone to poor performance in academics. The majority fail to graduate from high school. The scores are less than average. This disappointment in academic performance and poor parental guidance may lead to drop out of school. Boys are more likely to be members of gangs, become violent and participate in other antisocial behaviours (Department of Health, 2005). They later end up spending their life in prison for petty or major criminal activities. On the other hand daughters of teenage mothers are likely to live a similar life as their parent. Most of them end up becoming pregnant in their teens. According to statistics teenage pregnancies in the UK have declined over the years but, it is short of expectations. In 2008 for instance teenage pregnancy in England and Wales fell by 3.9 per cent from the previous year (Ungar, 2010). This is far much less than the 50 per cent reduction that had been projected by the government by 2010. The new strategy to prevent teenage pregnancy include consultations in the use of contraception’s by teenagers, sexual health on a one-to-one basis, improvement in health services in schools and more support from parents and teachers. The major focus of this approach is to ensure the children are educated about sexual matters before they become sexually active (Bayley, Brown and Wallace, 2009). It is important as it will see to a delay of the age at which young people commence having sex. As much as the student’s skills, knowledge, attitudes are bound to change significantly due to sex education still no evidence exists to change of behaviour or reduction of teenage pregnancies (Fletcher, 2010). Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is one of the provisions by the government meant to promote social, emotional and health of young people and children. The health issues tacked in PSHE are specific to age of the child. For instance there are issues to do with diet and exercise, well-being and emotional health, relationships and sex, careers, drugs, safety etc (Teenage Pregnancy Unit, 2007). Currently, the curriculum addresses issues which are relevant to teenagers promoting health, well beings, community cohesion and inclusion (De Bell, 2007). Apart from abstinence which has been hugely criticized due to its ineffectiveness, there is factual information combined with skills building, contraceptive services directly linked to schools, sex education programs liked to schools and another to encourage teenagers pursue vocational development. In addition, within the health services there is one-to-one counselling. The providence of factual information combined with skills building in schools has been effective and recorded some success. Information and education offered at school has been the cornerstone of sex education. It is in schools that teenagers get necessary information and guidance on relationships and sex. This cannot be possible without school inspection and sufficient training for the teachers (Department of Health, 2005). The policy also addresses funds that would see to the implementation of programs that are innovative. The target for the program is normally the health sector which is principally involved in admittance of contraceptives to teenagers through health professionals. Once the teenagers approach professionals for advice regarding contraceptives, they should be free to ask questions and receive answers. The government has also come up with a consensus strategy whereby mainstream delivery partners are called upon to engage in the process of trying to prevent teenage pregnancies. These include social services, media, health, voluntary sector, education and youth support services (Department of Education and Skills & Department of Health, 2007). This policy is drawn with awareness that the government on its own cannot be able to solve the problem. The policy has as a target to send a clear message on a national level to see a change in the culture responsible for teenage pregnancy (Carabine, 2007). Teenagers and their parents are made aware and educated on the need to use contraception, dealing with peer pressure and open discussion on sexual matters. This new message is important since children grow up in a society of which they are multiple layers of influences. The strategy is therefore important only that the fruits might not be realized in the near future. Again, globalization and advancement in technology makes some of these efforts sham. It will be necessary to call for international collaboration in order to effectively tackle the issue (Holgate, Evans and Yuen FKO, 2006). However, the importance of organizations and institutional involvement in the campaign cannot be downplayed. These institutions ensure reinforcement of the message and make it absolutely clear to the teenagers on the stand of society on the issue (Duncan, 2007). Prevention as a strategy might not have worked well but it is an option to tackle the problem before it manifests itself. Parents and young people are given preparation on how best they can deal with relationships and sex (Ungar, 2010). Emphasis is put on how youth can withstand pressure of having sex too soon. Parental role of guiding and counselling their children thorough talks is given much weight (Teenage Pregnancy Unit, 2007). This may sound in quite practical on paper but the reality outside is challenging. For instance there are many single parents who may not be able or available to provide guidance to their children (Duncan, 2007). Also the programs aired in the media, information in the internet etc make it impossible to monitor children. Similarly, cross-generational sex which remains one of the leading causes of teenage pregnancy has not be effectively addressed. Statistics point to the fact that teenagers are likely to be impregnated by older men compared to their age mates. Most girls that engage in early sex mostly do it with older men (Horgan and Kenny, 2007). The rates of pregnancy therefore continue to augment since this issue has not been addressed. Similarly, approximately 60 per cent of pregnant teenage girls are coerced into sex by males. Dating violence is also an issue that continues to plague teenagers. The majority of teenage pregnancies are as a result of abusive relationships. However, only a small percentage of the total pregnancies results from direct rape. Apart from offering services that would prevent teenage pregnancy the government has seen the need to extend support to teenagers already affected. In the past there was little or no attention paid to teenage mothers thus leading to a spiral (Harden, Bruton, Fletcher & Okley, 2009). It is important for teenagers who have become parents to be protected and accorded respect and recognition in society. One of the most notable efforts is social inclusion. The need to change housing policies has been instituted such that adolescents are perceived as adults (Department of Health, 2005). The support on 16 year olds for instance is to ensure that they are able to complete school. This means care for the child will be provided as the teenager pursues her studies. Education Maintenance Allowance is also extended to other teenagers who are wiling to further their education. The teenage parents who cannot reside with their parents are given supervision and support in a semi-independent house. Further, the Child Support Agency extends support to children of teenage parents. To a greater extend the government policies in the UK have succeeded. Although the target set earlier was not reached still the rate of pregnancy among teenagers has reduced (Department for Education and Skills, 2006). Teenagers unlike most women in the England refrain from the use contraceptives. Research indicates that 50 per cent of all unintended pregnancies are as a result of not using contraceptives (De Bell, 2007). A greater share of the remaining 50 percent, results from improper use of contraceptives or better still inconsistency in the use. It can therefore be asserted that the campaign for the use of contraceptives is far from perfect. The much effective long term methods are ignored as most teenagers are shy to contact health care experts (Cater and Coleman, 2006). There are those whose engagement is sex is spontaneous and casual such that going for the long term prevention methods feels like pre-empting the act. When compared to other countries, UK’s rate of teenage pregnancy is higher. However, this is simply a comparison to European countries. When compared to countries such as the United States and New Zealand the rate is substantially lower. Similarly as much as England is targets to lower the rate of teenage pregnancy; this normally refers to conception rates of live births. On the other hand other countries might seem to have a similar or higher rate compared to Britain only that termination services are greatly accessed. Further, international comparison with countries such as Ukraine, USA and Armenia show England in “moderate” category (Mahavarkar, Madhu and Mule, 2008). The rate has shown a decline in the past few decades considering the increase in the number of sexually active adolescents. Important to note that despite the increase in the vulnerable population, there has been no increase in the birth rate. This shows some degree of competence among teenagers in averting unwanted pregnancies. It is definitely going to take many years before the 50 per cent reduction target is achieved. In other countries it has taken 30 years to see to a reduction of the rates (Amu and Appiah, 2006). Some of these success stories include Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands. These countries have pioneered in socio-sexual revolution whereby contraceptive advice, sex education, and more importantly teenage sexuality are embraced by the youth (Allen, Bonell, Strange, Copas, Stevnson, and Johnson et al. 2007). In these countries the sexuality of the young is not only valued by respected. The public expects the sex lives of the young to be exciting, positive and rewarding. On the other hand in the UK people are still ambivalent about sexuality of the young. Teenage pregnancy is a problem that existed in society for a long period of time and continues to stand out. There have been a number of interventions by the government most of which have recorded some degree of success. However, UK needs to learn from countries such as Netherlands on how beat to tackle the issue. For instance there is need to respect and value sexuality among young people. There should be no room for ambiguity. All efforts must point to enabling the young people understand their sexuality. Similarly, teenage mothers need support and care. Social inclusion policy should offer more advice, monetary support and child care to teenage mothers. All these are important to see to a reduction in rates of pregnancy among teenagers. References Allen E, Bonell C, Strange V, Copas A, Stevnson J, Johnson AM et al. (2007). Does the UK government’s teenage pregnancy strategy deal with the correct risk factors? Findings from a secondary analysis of data from a randomised trial of sex education and their implications for policy. J Epidemiol Community Health, Vol. 51 (2) pp. 20-7 Amu, O & Appiah, K. (2006). Teenage Pregnancy in the United Kingdom: Are we doing enough? The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health, Vol. 11(4) pp. 314-318 Bayley, J., Brown, K. & Wallace, L. (2009). 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