Steps must be taken to reduce the number of teen pregnancies. Some would say prevention begins at school. There are a number of programs aimed at educating junior high and high school students, and some really give children cause to think. Students in the teen issues class at Arroyo Seco Junior High School have the chance to care for a life-like doll for 24 hours. Like an infant, Baby Think it Over weighs about 10 pounds and cries at random intervals.
Students also carry around a diaper bag and stroller.
Such programs are helpful, but to think the burden for preventing teen parenthood rests with schools is dangerous. We do as much as we should. The rest is up to parents. That's the thinking of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, which researched parental influences on children's sexual behavior. What they found shows that parents are the key to preventing teen pregnancy.