Children are maturing faster with the help of Internet-spread knowledge that should be well out of a young person’s reach. With unlimited access to any kind of sexual information and pornography, some children develop into highly sexually active beings at a young age. This can lead to harmful consequences, including the contraction of various STIs and pregnancy.

According to statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preliminary data shows the U.S. teen birth rate declined by 2 percent in 2008. This is a small success considering the birth rate increased 4 percent from 2006 to 2008.

Some researchers propose that the recession contributed to the decrease. However, there is still much work to be done concerning teen pregnancy. The United States still has a high teen birth rate— 41.5 per 1,000 15 to 19-year-olds—in comparison to other developed countries.

In an effort to decrease these high rates, the government is dispersing $75 million to fund proven teen pregnancy prevention programs. The money will go to 150 different nonprofits, universities, colleges,  small businesses and other organizations that work with young adults. Applicants for the funds have until the beginning of June to complete the

application process.

Twenty-five states ceased funding for Title V abstinence-only programs in 2008. The failure of abstinence-only programs shows that casting sex in a negative light will not stop all young adults from engaging in sexual activity. This only makes some students want to rebel.

In a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, an abstinence-only intervention program has been effective among a group of sixth-and seventh-graders. However, their method is novel in that it doesn’t tell students sex is bad, but emphasizes effects it could have on their bodies.

Even though this program may show positive results among a certain group of students, the chance older teens will embrace this concept is unlikely.

More funding should be allocated for proven teen pregnancy prevention programs. If these 150 start-up five-year courses continue to show positive results, abstinence-only program funding should be eliminated to allow more funds to be allocated to these proven courses.

The system needs to be revamped for the teens of today. Without altering the education system for young adults and recognizing their surroundings are much different than teenagers’ surroundings 10 years ago, it leaves students without the proper resources to remain healthy and functional members of society.