Photo by Mark Tatem Protecting our youth: Minister Dale Butler reads a proclamation and declares the month of May to be Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month.

Teenage pregnancy has declined significantly in the last ten years according to statistics of Teen Services.

In 1999, 44 pregnant teens walked into the facility seeking assistance from the agency, in 2008 they assisted only 23 young mothers.

According to Teen Services' executive director Michelle Wade, other helping service facilities have had a decline in clients as well, although she was not able to confirm exact figures.

Ms. Wade said: "We cannot let the decline in the rate of teen pregnancy give us the illusion that we don't have to continue providing information and education to young people and their families."

Teen Services launched The National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign yesterday, which is celebrated worldwide during the month of May to help raise the community awareness and educate young people on pregnancy prevention methods.

Ms. Wade said: "Teen Services has shown its commitment by ensuring that the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign is the foundation of the agency's programmes. We continue to interact with students in the middle and senior schools, and the community as a whole, by providing presentations focusing on teen pregnancy prevention, education and information on sexuality, awareness and counselling and support."

She added: "We will focus on providing education and information on the realities of teen relationships, sexual behaviour, peer pressure and at-risk behaviours and situations. We will give tips and how to cope with the pressure to become sexually active in the teen years such as refusal skills, making wise choices, and accepting responsibility.

Tomorrow Teen Services will commemorate Teen Pregnancy Prevention National Day by waving with Johnny Barnes, displaying slogan Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month Sex has Consequences. The public is asked to wear a green ribbon in recognition of this initiative.

The agency is encouraging all students (M3 to S4) to go online and complete the teen pregnancy prevention online quiz on www.stayteen.org

All month there will be a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign information booth at Harbour Nights and Presentations at Middle Schools.

Teen Services/ Teen Haven provides also provides school continuation and counselling services for male and female tees and their families.

n For information on Teen Services and the programmes they provide call 292 4598.

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