Although the material is very intense (teenage pregnancy, sexual behaviors, etc.)it portrays high school today. It brings up topics many parents shy away from. I use the different decisions and actions the characters are making for conversation starters with my girls. I point out when wrong decisions are being made, and I point out consequences of choices being made. It is a great teaching tool, especially for young teenage girls watching the show. I was thankful to see some material in the show about Jesus also. Morality is lost in television today, so it is a relief to see some Christian values seeping through the screen. Although I hate that the "Christian teens" fell into temptation, it still shows viewers reality of a teenage world.
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The Secret Life of the American Teenager
(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Molly Ringwald, Shailene Woodley, Megan Park, Where to watch: ABC Family, DVD, Download)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Heartfelt drama tackles teen sex, pregnancy, parenthood.
updated 06.12.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–15
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Secret Life of the American Teenager
Parents need to know that this drama from the creator of 7th Heaven centers on the consequences of a teenage girl's unexpected pregnancy. It addresses the various ways that teens think about and cope with sex (including abstinence and promiscuity), pregnancy, and ultimately parenthood, all 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.
Read our full review by Melissa Camacho
Families Can Talk About
- 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 that 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?
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Our Members Say
See all 61 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
perfect conversation starters with your own teenage kids
- Lives in OhioI rate this title on for age 13 and give it
I love this show! I'm a little disapointed by what Grace and Jack did. She was the character that I could relate to the most because I had the same intention of saving myself for marriage as she used to have.
- Lives in IllinoisKids ages: 12, 14I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Lives in Arkansas
- Lives in CaliforniaI rate this title on for age 13 and give it
I LOVE THIS SHOW
i love this show, i even have all the episodes of my ipod. it also teaches a good message and just by watching, it can change the mind of any teen who wants to have sex into waiting until your married, of your in college and have a great future ahead of you, and it's the right guy.
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Our Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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