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ZAP-PEERS SPEAK OUT
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Many teens believe they are responsible enough to make adult decisions concerning sex, when in fact they often act irrationally without considering all of the possible consequences. A devastating one million girls become pregnant in the U.S. each year. Teens who become pregnant are stripped of their childhood. While their peers are enjoying their social lives, these young girls may be home caring for their child. They are oftentimes forced to sacrifice their hopes and dreams for a lifetime of hard work and desperation. Besides the emotional strains of becoming pregnant, there is also a physical toll. The younger a girl is when she is pregnant, the more likely she is to have complications such as experiencing a still birth, suffering from malnutrition, among other possible problems. In addition, an unbelievable 2/3rds of teen mothers do not finish high school, and consequently are not given the freedoms and privileges that other teens experience. Young girls should have the opportunity to make what they want out of their lives without restrictions. Bringing a child into this world, which is filled with hardships and sacrifices, takes a lot of responsibility. In writing this story it is my hope that I can influence at least one girl or boy to have a more responsible outlook when faced with the difficult decisions concerning sex. Written by Jade, a former ZAP-PEER
2001 ZAP-PEERS VISITING THE CAPITOL IN WASHINGTON, DC
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ZAP-PEERS To educate, motivate, and communicate with people of all ages about self-esteem, sexuality, and responsible choices in an effort to reduce teen pregnancy rates in Cortland County. . Tom Whitney poses with a poster designed by all the ZAP-PEERS at the 2003 PEER Training.
ZAP-PEERS twist it up at 2003 Summer Training!
2003 ZAP-PEERS meet Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton in Albany |
