Houstonist: We're Number 1...in Teen Births!

Alexandria Ragsdale

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:50:15 -0600

Oh please, they don't teach the rhythm method anywhere. I went to Catholic schools and I'm not pregnant.

Ms Pants

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:56:01 -0600

They teach the rhythm method in Catholic schools. And the "pray your ever-lovin' ass off" method. Which probably contributes to the Texas statistic, actually.

groovehouse

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:00:01 -0600

They teach rhythm in school if you take band!

Alexandria Ragsdale

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:27:32 -0600

Rythmatic? They teach the rhythm method in schools?

guest

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:19:13 -0600

I don't want to light a fire here, but it would be interesting to compare that data to abortion statistics (what little is available.) Are we number one in teen pregnancies as well as teen births? Stereotypically, Texas is very pro-life. Whether that holds to real-life situations, I have no idea, but if it did, that could account for the proportionally higher numbers of teen births. (That is not to say that parenting isn't an issue. I'm always in favor of good parenting.) -Jules

guest

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:47:19 -0600

Yes, It's Readin', Ritin' and Rythmatic.... not Readin', Ritin' and (W)Rap that Rascal.

Ms Pants

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:45:33 -0600

On the educators? I'd say that the majority of American parents these days are relying on television to teach their kids.

Eric Wilson

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:43:55 -0600

Just my opinion, but you can increase the teaching of sex education all you want in the schools and it still won't make a difference. It all comes down to values, culture, and self-respect/self esteem -- which all stem from the environment the kid grows up in (family and other influences).

Jason Bargas

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:41:44 -0600

Yeah, schools should teach things that parents can't like Physics, Art History & Archery. Parents clearly know about sex. That's how they got to be parents. Utopia would be having schools' primary focus be academics. Reality is that too many parents place too much on the shoulders of educators. Thanks for the comment, heyzeus.

heyzeus

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:52:03 -0600

"Imagine that: parenting in the home instead of schools increasing in loco parentis, substitute parenting. Sadly this approach seems farther from Texas and closer to Utopia." Schools exist to teach kids things that parents can't or won't. The solution to teen pregnancy, among other things, is more education, not less. It would be great if all parents gave their pubescent kids education on how to avoid pregnancy, diseases, etc, but that is not happening and isn't likely to suddenly start happening.

Ms Pants

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:51:47 -0600

And yet more funding was just approved for abstinence only education. Yeah, because that's totally working.

Jason Bargas

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:44:57 -0600

Depressing issues require entertaining photos.

Crystal Jackson

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:33:33 -0600

Nice visual to go along with this story, Jason.