Monday, April 30, 2012

Secret Life of the American Teenager


Secret Life of the American Teenager - Season One
Network:  ABC Family
Format: Television Show
Genre: Realistic/Fiction
This show is for Ages: 13 up
Subjects/Themes: Sex, Parenting Identity

Plot Summary:  Amy Juergens, a 15-year-old band member, is pregnant as a result of her first sexual encounter with an older boy, Ricky, at summer band camp.  Amy, her family and friends must come to terms with her pregnancy.  She is faced with the difficult decision of choosing adoption, abortion or raising the baby.   Her parents are separating because of her father’s infidelity.  Other high school characters in the show struggle with complicated issues including promiscuity, sexual abuse and abstinence.  The show deals candidly with these issues and offers advice for parents and teens to talk candidly to each other about sex and pregnancy.  

Review:   Unfortunately the physical changes, difficulties of childbirth and responsibilities of a new baby are not realistically portrayed.  During labor right before having the baby Amy eats a hamburger.  The show has a place as a vehicle to promote conversation between parents and children about difficult topics and is entertaining.  Some young viewers may accept the ease and glossiness of the way networks handle teen pregnancy and fail to understand the reality of such a difficult situation.  I recommend this show for show for older teens but every family is different and parents are encouraged to watch the show with their children and evaluate it based on their values. 

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