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.
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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)
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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.
Themes in this show include: dating/crushes, family relationships, friendship, peer pressure
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–15
What to watch out for
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Role models:
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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?
- 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?
Our Members Say
See all 91 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
Off for 15 and under, iffy for 16-18.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
- 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)
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
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.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
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.
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- 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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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 67% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 33% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
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