There are many different factors to consider with teenagers... Firstly dealing with sex - peer pressure (everyone thinks everyone else is having sex even when they're no, and so think they should be). Parents, if you're too strict with teens then the first thing do is rebel the whole "I ban/forbid you from seeing that person" never works. Parents who don't set a particularly good example (those having many relationships in a short period of time) give off the impression it is perfectly acceptable to go the whole hog when you're not really into a "serious" relationship. I should probably stress that I'm not meaning ALL parents just those that often fall into the the teenage child pregnancy thing. Boys Don't think it's their responsibilty to carry condoms as it's not the "in thing" even tho it actually makes them look "bigger" to carry the things around. Similarly girls feel the same way. Also, embarrassment and lack of easy access to condoms causes an issue. How many teens feel confident going to the docs or family planning clinic? This all requires planning ahead. I doubt many teens plan when they are actually going together to have sex. Secondly dealing with the pregnancy itself - Often teens are too scared to approach their parents about it. Whether it's for fear of the reaction from their parents, a feeling they've let everyone down or that theyre too embarrassed. Some teenagers also, sadly, get pregnant deliberately either to spite their parents or to nab the guy. Then there's the decision of what to do wiv the pregnancy... keep it or abort? <-- there's much debate on that topic. Many avoid the options available by ignoring the "problem" and by the time theyve plucked up the courage to talk to anyone about it it's too late. I don't think it's lack of education as children are taught from an early age these days, whether at school or by television wot sex is. I think, as mentioned before it's embarrassment creates the problem. My comments are based on experiences with many friends, whilst growing up, who have landed in this situation and of course I'm not applying my views as the general rule or stereotype. Just thought it may help in understanding wot goes thru a teens mind :)