To avoid teenage pregnancy, a combination of strategies involving adolescents, parents, schools, healthcare providers, and communities is most effective. Key approaches include:

For Adolescents

• Abstinence from sexual intercourse is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• If sexually active, consistent and correct use of effective contraceptives such as condoms, birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or injectable methods greatly reduces the risk of pregnancy

• Using condoms also helps protect against STIs, which is important alongside pregnancy prevention

• Limiting sexual activity to one partner can reduce risks and help maintain a healthier sexual relationship

For Parents

• Open, honest, and early communication about sex, love, and relationships helps teens understand sexual health and make informed decisions

• Parents should be clear about their own values and attitudes toward sex and contraception to guide discussions effectively

• Monitoring academic progress and encouraging school success can reduce risk factors associated with teen pregnancy

• Knowing teens’ friends and families and discouraging early or frequent dating, especially with significant age differences, helps reduce risky behaviors

• Helping teens set meaningful goals for their future can motivate them to avoid early pregnancy

For Schools and Communities

• Providing comprehensive sexual health education that includes information on contraception, relationships, and delaying sexual activity is effective in reducing teen pregnancy rates

• Abstinence education can be a useful part of this comprehensive approach but should not be the sole strategy, as abstinence-only programs have been linked to higher teen pregnancy rates

• Community-based programs offering outreach, counseling, and support services help teens access information and healthcare resources

• Healthcare providers should offer teen-friendly sexual health services, including contraception options and STI testing

Summary

Avoiding teenage pregnancy involves abstinence or, if sexually active, consistent use of contraception and condoms, open communication with parents, supportive education, and access to healthcare. A multi-faceted approach combining these elements has been shown to be most effective in preventing teen pregnancies and supporting adolescent well-being