The Secret Life of the American Teenager - TV-14
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this drama from the creator of 7th Heaven centers on a 15-year-old's unexpected pregnancy. It addresses the various ways that teens think about and cope with pregnancy, promiscuity, and abstinence from a relatively upper-middle class point of view. Although the themes can be controversial, the heartfelt way the topics are introduced provides a good foundation for discussing them with teens and even older tweens. Expect some mild language (words like "laid" are used to describe sex) and specific references to Christianity and the bible.
Families can talk about the pressures teens face when it comes to having sex. Is it easy to "just say no"? Aside from pregnancy, what are some of the other consequences teens face when they choose to engage in sexual activity? What are some of the consequences they face when they choose not to? Families can also discuss the messages that the media sends about sex and sexual behavior. How do TV shows and movies tend to portray pregnant and/or sexually active teens? Are these portrayals realistic? To learn more about the impact of sexual messages in the media, click here.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho
THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER explores the choices that today's teens are making about sex and touches on some of the very real consequences of their decisions. The series centers on 15-year-old Amy (Shailene Woodley), who gets pregnant after losing her virginity at summer band camp to Ricky (Daren Kagasoff), a promiscuous teen with a troubled past. As Amy struggles to cope with her situation, she's romantically pursued by Ben (Kenny Bauman), a fellow freshman concerned about his own status as a virgin. Meanwhile, Grace (Megan Park) -- a popular cheerleader and outspoken Christian -- is unexpectedly faced with her boyfriend's inability to cope with their joint commitment to abstinence ... which becomes even harder when girls like the more worldly Adrian (Francis Raisa) are willing to accommodate his desires.
Secret Life introduces various points of view about teenage sexual behavior by showing how different (albeit still fairly stereotypical) teens develop their own thoughts and feelings about sex, relationships, and growing up. It also looks at how the choices they make impact not just them, but everyone around them. The fact that this family drama introduces its various (and often controversial) storylines from an upper-middle class perspective means that viewers don't get much of the real-world grittiness you might expect when dealing with these issues. While that's not exactly realistic, it does mean that the show's themes are presented in a relatively wholesome, heartfelt context that's both entertaining and non-threatening.
That said, despite good performances by notable actors like Molly Ringwald and John Schneider, the show's dialogue often seems over-manufactured with its constant references to sex. There are also some moments that feel a little didactic, especially when parents and mentors offer contrived thoughts and advice about teens and premarital sex. But Secret Life does a good job of highlighting the pressure that many of today's teens experience while living in a society that seems to glorify sexual behavior. It also provides a good foundation that parents can use to start and/or continue conversations with teens about sex and pregnancy. Although the subject matter isn't age-appropriate for young kids, parents may want to watch with older tweens who are preparing to enter junior or senior high school and talk to them about some of these issues.
Fans may also enjoy 7th Heaven, Everwood, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Juno.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentVery frequent discussions about having sex, engaging (or not engaging) in sexual activity, teen pregnancy, and other related issues. One teen boy has multiple "conquests" and was molested as a child by his father. Teens are shown kissing/making out, but nothing more. |
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ViolenceTherapy sessions include conversations about anger. |
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LanguageMild; the word "laid" is used frequently, but not much swearing. |
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Social BehaviorThe show revolves around the issue of teen pregnancy/sex, which is often a controversial issue. It introduces a variety of perspectives about teen sexual behavior and looks at how teens' choices impact both them and others. Ricky is a foster child. The students live in an upper-middle class environment and come from various racial/ethnic backgrounds. Grace and her family are devout Christians and talk openly about their beliefs. |
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CommercialismSongs performed by Avril Lavigne are heard. |
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