Teen fathers at risk of receiving limited education

By Staff Writer

A new study from Economic Inquiry reveals that teenagers who become fathers are at an increased risk of dropping out of school.

The findings are based on the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which followed hundreds of American teens beginning in 1994. Participants were in grades 7 through 12 at the beginning of the study. Researchers compared young men whose partners gave birth and those whose partners suffered a miscarriage.

They found that teenage fatherhood decreased one's chances of graduating from high school by 15 percentage points and increase the chances of receiving a GED by 11 percentage points. In addition, teen fathers were more likely to get married and live with their partners.

Researchers concluded that males who become fathers during adolescence may experience long-term economic issues because of their lack of education. Furthermore, these negative effects could impact their offspring as well. Children of young parents may have limited access to resources that promote academic achievement and a healthy well-being.

Problem teens who engage in unsafe sex can benefit from tough love. Parents may consider restricting their child's extracurricular activities.