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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, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Heartfelt drama tackles teen sex, pregnancy, parenthood.

Themes in this show include:   dating/crushes, family relationships, friendship, peer pressure

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Although the show revolves around the issues of teen sex, pregnancy, and parenthood -- which are complicated and often controversial -- it does so in a heartfelt, thoughtful way, introducing a variety of perspectives about teen sexual behavior and looking at how teens' choices impact both them and others.
  • Role models:

    The characters are a realistically flawed bunch, often making iffy decisions -- but the show explores the impact of those decisions, and overall most of the characters mean well more than they don't. The teen characters live in an upper-middle class environment and come from various racial/ethnic backgrounds.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Very frequent discussions about having sex, engaging (or not engaging) in sexual activity, teen pregnancy and parenthood, and other related issues. Teens are shown kissing/making out, but not much more. One teen boy has multiple "conquests" and was molested as a child by his father.
  • Language:

    Mild; the word "laid" is used frequently, but not much swearing.
  • Consumerism:

    Songs performed by Avril Lavigne and others are heard.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Little compared to other shows centered on teens.
 

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.

Did this review help you decide?

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?
  • What messages does the media send 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

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See all 91 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title off for age 15 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    Off for 15 and under, iffy for 16-18.

    I've seen advertisements for this show, and combining that with what I've gathered by what it is rated by CommonSenseMedia, I'd say this show is off for ages 15 and under.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect for kids 13 and +

    I Love this show! So many critics and parents think this show is full of crap, but actually this is what is happening in school! This show is so realistic its crazy. Adrian Lee(Francia Raisa) for example, is so not understood. Her mom isnt around and she is just looking for love, in the wrong way, but love is all she wants! Despite that she is a good girl. She doesnt do drugs or drink, and yeah sometimes she gets mad at her dad but hey if your dad wasnt around most of your life wouldn't you be upset too? And Grace(Megan Park) shows and beleives (used to in earlier seasons) to wait to het married and some teens stuck with Graces beleifs and still do. If I was a parent I would definately let my kids watch this to show them what not to do. I know I learned alot from this show and im just a early teen myself. So, let your kids watch this show, watch it with, or watch it by yourself. All that matters is that your kids will learn what not to do, and when not to do it. (Not For Kids Under The Age Of 12 Or 13)

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Negative but Positive

    It might be a little bad for kids. A lot of talk about sex, and pregnancy. But at the same time, it teaches kids, teens, AND adults, that if you don't be careful, you will get consequences. This show is recommended for 12 or 13 years old.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    I doubt there is a more controversial show aimed at teenagers on air now than The Secret Life of the American Teenager. After all, who would want their teen watching a show about a 15-year-old girl who gets pregnant by a guy not only a year older than her, but has a rather horrible past himself, including being molested as a child and having sex with any girl who will say yes. And as the episodes roll on, discussions of sex become more and more frequent, and occurances become more and more outrageous; such as Amy's mother becoming pregnant by her soon-to-be-ex-husband right after her own daughter gives birth. On the surface, it sounds pretty bad. But like pretty much anything, you have to give it a chance before you judge. I started watching a little bit into the first season, and I was shocked at how realistic the dialogue was, even if the circumstances of the actual show weren't. A conversation between any two of the teenager characters sounds surprisingly and genuinely real, like you could overhear it walking down any modern high school hallway. The characters, also, were surprisingly layered and multidemensional, like Amy, the 15-year-old central character who gets pregnant after a night with drummer and school bad boy Ricky. She's a seemingly simple and easy-to-like character; a sweet, innocent, and unassuming band geek, Amy seems like the kind of girl who would never in ten million years think about having sex as a high school freshman, but ends up doing it anyway. But her simple, sweet demeanor comes dramatically unraveling as the show goes on; she's a passionate and dedicated mother, and won't let anyone walk all over her or take advantage of her. Wow...that's quite a transformation from the meek little just-turned-15 year old from a year ago. She's intriguing as well as very, very likable. Yes, sometimes the circumstances can get a little ridiculous, and any parent listening to their daughter watch the show from the kitchen might worry about what kind of messages she's getting; but it truly is not a bad show. And besides; it is frequently shown that Amy has almost no time for herself as a teenager mother, which I don't think any outgoing, social teenage girl would find appealing, so it could be argued that the show discourages teenagers from having sex before they're ready. It's wonderfully written, well acted, very compelling, and really quite addictive.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Worst show on tv

    Every single scene in this show has someone talking about sex. The kids are disrespectful little brats and the parents let them be. They make the parents so stupid on this show. ABC Family should be ashamed to put this on television. My 8 and 10 year olds were subjected to this crap. It teaches nothing but it's ok to have sex as a young child!!!!!!!!!!!!

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