ALARMING! How Gen Z influencers are glamorizing teenage pregnancy?
Teenage pregnancy and early marriage can affect your mental, physical and financial health. Why are Gen Z influencers glamorizing teenage pregnancy?
In India, the minimum age for getting married is 21 for girls and boys. Earlier, it was 18 for girls and 21 for boys. The recent change was made to stop child marriages that are still prevalent in some parts of the country. The decision was taken to avoid the early marriage of girls. In India, many young girls are pushed into early marriage. Sometimes forcibly, against their will, seemingly to ward off bad influences or to not escape the opportunity of getting a ”perfect” match. This also comes with severe consciousness. Early marriages lead to early pregnancy. But this is now getting glamourized by Gen Z! Yes, many Gen Z influencers are glamourizing teenage pregnancy and its alarming.
According to a UNICEF report, a girl married as a child is likelier to be out of school, not earn money, and contribute to the community. She is more likely to experience domestic violence and become infected with HIV/AIDS. Child pregnancies raise the chances of dying due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
However, we are not here to bash the system or communities for pushing their children into child marriage. Now, social media influencers are glamorizing teen marriages and even making vlogs. In the past few years, many channels have indulged in family vlogs. This also includes some channels, teenage married couples, and some even became parents. There are high chances that you also have come across such channels, laughed and scrolled. But this is not something to ignore and move on; it is alarming.
What the heck is wrong with these teenagers?
To get sheer fame on social media, some teenagers are getting pregnant and gaining views. When they are expected to complete their education, these influencers are famous for all wrong reasons.
The fact is saddening that these teenage influencers are not even attending school. They have access to social media but don’t understand the country’s law. We will also discuss some of the prevalent examples whose only flex is that they are teen parents.
Raju Roshini
This couple suddenly started gaining millions of views when they announced their pregnancy. On 23 December 2021, they shared the news that Roshini had delivered a baby boy. Recently, Raju announced that he would be a father for the second time within a year.
Now, followers of Raju Roshini were rejoicing over the news without releasing that teenage pregnancy itself is a risk and getting pregnant within a year could be life-threatening. Women’s body needs some time to recover and heal. And the consequences were delivered soon when they posted another video saying, “”Roshini ka Miscarriage ho gya”” (Roshini had suffered a miscarriage).
Moreover, giving birth to child means a lot of responsibility and financial stability. But it seems that Raju Roshini had not even thought about this before family planning. In one of their videos, they talked about their financial struggles.
So, the question is here, if you are already financially unstable, then why are you adding on responsibilities?
Ridhi & Sehwag
They are another teenage couple who create videos in the same genre. Recently they also became parents. Moreover, it is unclear what Sehwag is doing for a living? Ridhi is often seen doing household chores and seems forced to make vlogs when she wishes to rest.
Why is all this happening? For content!
Why should Teenage pregnancies be avoided entirely?
Many researchers have suggested that teenage pregnancies should be avoided.
Health risk
According to the National Institutes of Health Trusted Source, there is a higher risk of the following in teenage pregnancy:
- Preeclampsia
- Anaemia
- Contracting STDs
- Premature delivery
- Delivering at low birth weight
Poor Lifestyle
Some of these influencers and their followers argue with the fact that girls used to get married and pregnant early in earlier times. Yes, they do! But the infant mortality rate and maternal mortality ratio were also very high. Moreover, those who deliver a healthy baby also live a healthy lifestyle. The air was purer, eating habits were proper, and there were a lot of physical activities. But now, the air is polluted, food is more adulterated, and there is a lack of physical activity.( And early pregnancies were always concerning) Therefore, our pain tolerance power, immunity and strength are low. Also, it has been advised women should conceive only after 18-24 months after the first pregnancy.
Financial Instability
Although you have started earning early, to meet the needs of a family, the bread earner needs to have a stable income. We have already discussed how teenage parents are getting pregnant for the sake of views and gaining social media popularity.
In India, pregnancy vlogs are a hype. But using your family members to earn money or ideas is immoral. What do you think about this bizarre as well as stupid trend and desperation of Teenage pregnancy?
Conclusion
Many channels and couples are going to any extent for views and popularity. There is a channel named Simal Hindi which also makes vlogs about his daily life. Surprisingly, this boy is still underage and he married thrice. Like, seriously?
Yes! And his exes also often appear in his videos. No doubt, to gain more views, this couple may also get pregnant or do one more marriage.
Writer’s note: Please don’t expect me to watch their entire videos. I have already risked my mental health while going through some. It is high time we stop making this teenage pregnancy or marriage a trend. Many popular creators have spoken against it. But the audience also needs to speak out against it and stop encouraging them to their illegal and wrongful acts. We are also amazed that these couples are put on the internet; still, local authorities don’t take any action against them or their guardians.
