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ABUSE MAGAZINE • The daughters of young teen mothers are 3 times more likely to become teen mothers themselves. • The sons of teen mothers are twice as likely to end up in prison. Now you know why having a baby too early is a bad idea.  So how do you prevent too early pregnancy? Photo Source: www.nydailynews.com Get Involved So you think teen pregnancy is a problem? Want to do something about it? There are organizations in many communities devoted to preventing teen pregnancy—they are affiliated with churches, synagogues, schools, independent clubs, non-profit organizations, health centers, and reproductive health organizations. Contact your local school board, faith leaders, youth groups, and others who are concerned about young people. You can also talk to parents and teens and educate them about the consequences of unprotected sex and teen pregnancy. In fact, one of the most important things anyone can do is to make sure parents and teens talk about these issues and know the facts. We are proud to join the fight against drug and alcohol abuse! -232-2458 • Pocatello, ID 208 POCATELLO Police Department 208-234-6100 Photo Source: www.womenist.net Chief Marchand & Staff proudly support ABUSE preventative education in our community. 911 N. 7th Ave. - Pocatello, ID Have A Plan Start by thinking it through carefully yourself. Are you ready to have sex?  Are you going to wait? Though there are a variety of ways to avoid pregnancy, they can be boiled down to two basic strategies: • Delay Sex: Not having sex at all is the only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy and STIs. • Use Contraception: If you do choose to have sex, you need to make sure that you use protection correctly every single time you have sex.  There are a variety of types of contraception, so do some research and figure out which method is right for you. Whether you choose to have sex or not, it is important to be able to talk about it with your partner. Having direct conversations about sex can be difficult or embarrassing, but if you are confident about your facts and able to express openly how you feel it should be easier. So take some time to get informed and to think through what feels right for you. It may be helpful to talk these decisions over with a close friend, parent, doctor, or other trusted adult before you talk to your partner. When you are clear about your own feelings, it will be easier to communicate them to someone else. And don’t wait until you’re in the heat of the moment to make these decisions—having a plan means being prepared before you’re in the moment. 208-847-1630 164 S. 5th St. If You’re Already A Teen Parent If you’re already a teen parent, all the stuff on this page might sound like it’s meant to hurt your feelings. We know that our message might unintentionally offend teen parents and we hope that you don’t take what we’re saying here the wrong way. While your experiences as a teen parent may be very positive, we know that the majority of teen moms and dads have an incredibly difficult road ahead for themselves and for their children. We are by no means trying to insult you as a teen parent or make you feel like you’ve made a bad choice, but are instead hoping to help all teens realize the consequences of having children too early. We know that you love your family very much and are working hard to support them while still doing all those things that make being a teen fun. Best of luck to you and your family! We are proud to support preventative education for our youth! Montpelier, ID OU RIB CA COUNTY S