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Kids Having Kids


	Definition: This subject deals with the question of very young men and women becoming parents. This area is wider than teenage pregnancy as it also includes the young people from cultures and traditions where it is normal and acceptable to have children at a very young age. The subject of young people having children can have serious consequences. (See examples.) Examples: Young men and women get married much earlier in some countries, for example in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. They then may have their own children at a very young age. Teenage pregnancy is rising, especially in western countries. The above two groups can both face the following situations: • The young people may not complete their education. They may never return to school and will consequently find it harder to earn a living for themselves and their families. • Young girls are at risk of having a premature pregnancy, which cause higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. They may be putting their health at risk by having children at a young age. • Teenage girls are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. By having sexual relations at such a young age they are endangering their own lives and then those of their children (future or present). Why the situation occurs? Parents in some countries may choose to have their daughters marry early for a number of reasons. Poor families may regard a young girl as an economic burden and her marriage as a necessary survival strategy for the family. They may think that early marriage offers the care of a male guardian (husband) or that it will offer protection for their daughter from the dangers of sexual assault. Early marriage may also be seen as a strategy to avoid girls becoming pregnant outside marriage. Gender discrimination can also underpin early marriage. Girls may be married young to ensure obedience and subservience within their husband’s household and to maximise their opportunities for childbearing. Young children can be promised in marriage even from birth. Parents may be assuring an alliance or building on a friendship with a family of equal or better standing. In some countries children are a valuable commodity that bring a better status, or financial stability to a family. Teenage pregnancy rates are still high, although they have declined in recent years. Rising levels of education, more career choices for women, more effective contraception and changing preferences have increased the average age at first birth in all developed countries. However, there are still over half a million teen births each year (UN statistics). Giving birth while still a teenager is strongly associated with disadvantage in later life.On average, for example, across 13 countries of the European Union, women who gave birth as teenagers are twice as likely to be living in poverty. Education is still seen as one of the key tools to prevent teenage pregnancy although the subject is a sensitive one for many countries, religions and cultures. How you can make a difference: Tackle the issue. Learn about the cultural differences in various countries around the world which lead to some young men and women having children earlier than others. What is the practice in your community or country? Compare the different practices in your country or community. Learn about the health risks and other challenges faced by very young parents. Think about all of the issues related to this topic. Can you raise awareness about healthy living and the benefits of a good education? Can you support young parents in your community? Use the materials and tools provided to follow the process of: 1. Identifying the problem 2. Developing Awareness and Empathy 3. Taking action 4. Measuring the change Resources and Links: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) website (English, French and Spanish) provides documents and information on this topic: http://www.unicef.org The fifth Millennium Development Goal aims to improve maternal health. More information on the MDGs and on maternal health can be found on the website: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals The Safe Motherhood Initiative - a worldwide initiative aiming to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses associated with pregnancy and child birth: http://www.safemotherhood.org The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has information on the above issue, including an interesting report on gender, noting the role of young women in many societies: http://www.unfpa.org/adolescents/gender.htm World Scout Conference Resolution 16/90 on the Convention of the Rights of the Child http://www.scout.org worldbureau@world.scout.org