Television Review: The Secret Life of the American Teenager
What Parents Should Know
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.
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 teenage 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 embarks on a relationship with good-guy Ben (Kenny Bauman). Meanwhile, other characters -- like good-girl cheerleader Grace (Megan Park) and worldly Adrian (Francis Raisa) -- face various challenges connected to their own sex-related views and behavior. Ultimately, Amy's pregnancy impacts everyone in ways they never saw coming.
Secret Life introduces various points of view about teenage sexual behavior and its consequences 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 somewhat over-manufactured. 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 foundation that parents can use to start and/or continue conversations with teens about sex, pregnancy, and parenthood. 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.
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