Over the past fifty years, the rate of adolescents becoming pregnant has increased significantly. In the days of previous generations, it was believed that if you became pregnant, you were not fit to complete your education to take care of the child. If one even tried to finish school, most girls would drop out anyway because of the shame inflicted on their peers. However, in 2013, it is not uncommon to see a fourteen or fifteen year old girl expecting a child. We have television shows like “Teen Mom” and “16 & Pregnant” that show the wonders of babies having babies. So, what has changed in the mentality of our young people over the last few generations? Why are we seeing so many girls becoming pregnant at ages that seem younger and younger? Common reasons why our young people get pregnant include, but are not limited to, family values, peer pressure and the media. Returning to family history and values ​​is a way of tracing the reason for pregnancy among young people. In colonial America, it was not uncommon for younger girls to be wives and mothers, as they were considered developed enough to handle such responsibilities. However, times have changed and mothers who are still in school are no longer needed. The standard expectation for children is to wait until they are finished school and married before having children of their own. According to the Journal for Vocational Special Needs Education, young people who grow up in a home that lacks stability are more likely to turn to a partner for comfort (Journal Pg. 5). The frequency or lack of frequency with which the child sees their parents or guardians can affect whether they become pregnant. Those who are ignored more by their ...... middle of paper ...... roll, Susie. “Reality TV shows glorify teen pregnancy.” Teen dating. Ed. Louise I. Gerdes. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Views. Rep. from “Teen Mom – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. http://blog.susiekroll.com May 16, 2011. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. December 2, 2013. Board, ADAM Editorial. “Teenage Pregnancy.” Teenage pregnancy. US National Library of Medicine, December 9, 2011. Web. Nov.-Dec. 2013. Domenic, Desirae M. “Teen Pregnancy in America: Causes and Responses.” Journal for Professional Special Education 30.1 (2007): 4+. Print.Langham, RY “What Causes Teenage Pregnancy?” » LIVESTRONG.COM. Np, June 12, 2010. Web. Nov.-Dec. 2013.Vlahos, Kelley Beaucar. "Born to Consume: For MTV, Teen Pregnancy is Big Deal." The American Conservative 10.7 (2011): 22+. Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. December 2. 2013.