MTV's 'Teen Mom' Discourages Teen Pregnancy

In the first season of MTV's Teen Mom -- the follow-up to 16 and Pregnant, which focused on four small-town American teens through their pregnancies and giving birth -- the teens go from irresponsible, immature girls to young mothers with quite a bit of responsibility. (One of the teens, Catelynn, gives up her baby, Carly, for adoption.) Now in its second season, Teen Mom continues to do a good job of portraying what these young women are going through as anything but glamorous or effortless.

Teen Mom is a far cry from MTV's other "reality" shows like The Hills and Jersey Shore. There is nothing fake or staged in this show. How does one fake babies crying, broken engagements, domestic disturbances or having doubts about giving your child up for adoption? It can't be faked, and that's what makes this show so pure and effective.

At times it's difficult to watch as moms Farrah, Maci and Amber juggle motherhood and teen life, but that's the beauty of the show. There is no glossing over the fact that these girls do struggle to be good moms while dealing with the rest of life's obstacles -- finances, relationships and finishing their education.

Watching Catelynn and her boyfriend Tyler deal with their decision to give up their daughter Carly for adoption is no piece of cake either. Both teens grew up in poverty and had a rough upbringing, which is why they wanted Carly to have a better life than they have. Both Catelynn and Tyler's parents have been in and out of their lives -- forcing them to grow up quickly -- and give their children little support about their decision to go through with the adoption.

As season 2 continues, though the girls are a bit older, their trials and tribulations have not lessened. After a violent fight with her mother, Farrah and her daughter Sophia are left to live on their own. Farrah has to deal with being a single mom, working and going to culinary school with little support. Maci may have the comfort of still living at home, but after she and her son Bentley's dad Ryan ended their engagement, she's must learn the ins and outs of co-parenting, while she and her ex both embark on new relationships. Amber and her on-again, off-again fiancé Gary are raising their daughter Leah, while trying to get along and make ends meet.

I applaud MTV for creating and airing this vividly accurate program. Teen Mom does a great job of discouraging teen pregnancy. Whether you're an advocate for teen abstinence or safe sex, this program is practically an ad campaign for both. The consequences these girls face for having been sexually active are blunt, detailed and more than obvious. The message it sends is heard loud and clear: "If you play, you may pay!"
Do you think Teen Mom helps discourage teen pregnancy? Chime in below!
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