Dating & Marriage

Paul is a jealous control freak who's prone to violence. Gina is his girlfriend. Using a true-to-life sequence of scenarios, this program paints a vivid picture of an abusive teenage relationship-and how to end one. The program concludes with a statement of what love is (responsibility, commitment, trust) and what love isn't (possessiveness, jealousy, violence). The message? Love shouldn't hurt; if it does, turn to the people who really care about you for support and assistance. Correlates to National and State Educational Standards including the NCLB Act. A Discovery Channel Production. (16 minutes)

Gay, Straight & Accepted Life can get confusing for adolescents when they begin to develop sexual attractions. Through the perspective of straight teenagers, we meet students coming to terms with how they feel and dealing with the anxiety of "coming out." Noel became extremely depressed because she did not know how to deal with being a lesbian. We meet Sam, who is a victim of homophobic harassment. He overcomes the bullying by building a support team. In the end students will realize that sexual orientation should not be isolating.

This program provides young men and women with realistic expectations about what single parenthood is like and what skills they will need to cope. Topics include prenatal care, daycare and finances, and tending to their own emotional needs and those of their newborn. Case studies that discuss the pregnancy, birth, and child-rearing help viewers to identify with their own situation. Experts offer advice, including how to balance home and work with raising a child. This is an excellent vehicle for classroom discussion and a no-holds-barred view of the realities of single parenthood. A Cambridge Educational Production. (35 minutes)

Grounded for Life examines the rising national trend of unplanned pregnancies in the teen population. Utilizing actual case studies and interviews with teenage mothers, it illustrates the risk factors, motivations, and thought processes associated with the rapidly growing teenage pregnancy problem. Thought-provoking footage of single teenage parents portrays the economic and emotional hardships they face. Detailed investigations of educational programs for students and parents, self-evaluation, birth control, and counseling are examined in an open manner. Closing perspectives given by teen mothers and fathers provide backdrop for many classroom discussions and assignments. One of the most informative, intriguing classroom videos available today. A Cambridge Educational Production. One 39-minute video.

This program examines divorce from different points of view: that of the parents, the children, and the family psychologist. Reasons for divorce are explored, including interviews with families who have experienced a divorce. A family psychologist discusses the particular impact that divorce has on children and the phases that children go through in dealing with it. Also included is information on the positive changes that can take place when a divorce occurs. (16 min.) A Meridian Production.

Unfortunately, the concerns of divorcing parents often overshadow the needs of their children. This video shows how that discrepancy is being reexamined by parents and experts. (22 minutes)

In one of the most powerfully written documentaries ever produced on the subject of teen dating violence, this video offers “life skills coaching,” wisdom, introspection, and solid advice on how to have positive relationships, while avoiding abusive ones. The positive advice is contrasted against the touching biographies of three homicide victims who were murdered by their boyfriends. The video offers substantial curriculum for both genders on how to spot the warning signs of emotional and physical abuse, ways to avoid abusive behavior in relationships, and a chapter on “How A Girl Can Protect Herself From Abusers.” Dozens of survival tips are derived from Jill Murray, expert on domestic and teen dating violence. Carrie Madsen brilliantly delivers in the role of “life coach” and the presentation is co-hosted by Suzanne Schultz, a veteran family crimes team leader with a district attorney’s office. The video concludes with several creative ways to successfully break the cycle of teen dating violence by devising an escape plan, safely ending an abusive relationship, and ultimately creating the kind of bonds in which you can “share the best you have to offer, not the worst.”

What if dating were like football, where flags are thrown when the rules are broken? In this award-winning program, the Love Referee does just that, using his red flag system to stop the action when abusive dating situations develop. Play-by-play coverage of scenarios involving sexual pressure, manipulative and obsessive behavior, physical abuse, lying, and problem lifestyles help make it easier to recognize and avoid those pitfalls in real life. The overall message? Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and to feel safe on a date. A Meridian Production. (21 minutes)

Grade Level: 6+. This documentary-style program explores how abusers engage in violence with the intent to exert power over their victims, isolating them from friends and family in order to gain complete control. Real teens talk about what they think constitutes abuse and why they may be vulnerable in romantic relationships.

This program examines teenage pregnancy from the teenage father's point of view. It is an in-depth look at the attitudes of young men toward sex, birth control, and teenage fatherhood. Teen pregnancy, its cost to society, and the plight of young mothers and their newborns are discussed, along with how most young fathers deal with the reality of a pregnant girlfriend. A final section examines the role of teenage fathers in child-rearing, and discusses ways in which they can learn better parenting skills and become more involved. However, the message here is clear: teenage parenting is difficult at best, and teens should seriously consider sexual abstinence. A Cambridge Educational Production. (40 minutes)

It's safe to say that dating, sex, and socializing preoccupy most teenagers-but how often do young people really benefit from and participate in their relationships? This video enables students to see teen romance in a clear light-exploring love, sex, friendship, and how easily all three can get mixed up. With candid discussions about jealousy, trust, peer pressure, and effective communication, the program focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of teenage sex and romance, as well as the best ways to cope with rejection and break-ups. Viewers also delve into cyber relationships," both friendly and romantic-examining what is gained and lost when technology mediates human connections. Viewable/printable discussion questions are available online. A Cambridge Educational Production. (32 minutes)"

This ABC News program sheds light on the most heartbreaking dilemma a teen mother can face. Viewers enter the lives of Erin and Brookanne, who-because of college plans and financial hardships-have decided against motherhood and now reside at the Gladney Center for Adoption, a unique facility for pregnant teens in Fort Worth, Texas. Ob-gyn appointments, counseling sessions, and meetings with hopeful adoptive parents reveal the medical, emotional, and economic realities the girls must confront as the impending births approach. The program culminates with the arrival of the babies and, within days, the moment of greatest sadness and joy. Original ABC News broadcast title: A Rare Look at Teenage Pregnancy and Adoption. (38 minutes)

This riveting educational documentary helps viewers see how they can unwittingly be transformed from “victim of abuse” into “abuser.” Teen dating violence is an essential link that is both cause and effect for deeper cycles of domestic violence. Many young women mistakenly believe that getting the “bad boy” to love them makes them more special than all of the other girls. When this fails, desperate victims often fight back out of a sense of survival—if they survive. Not surprisingly, young women and young men are often too embarrassed to report the fact that they are being abused. Tragically, when children see the violence between Mom & Dad, this often sets the stage for a “next generation” of abuser and abused. The story is hosted by a veteran team leader of a district attorney’s family crimes division and authenticated by current and former inmates. All provide introspection and a candid, and sometimes disturbing look at harm that runs much deeper than visible physical scars. The video offers several ways to successfully break the cycle of domestic violence by recognizing the behavior for where it leads, ending the relationships, having an escape plan and changing the predictable outcomes.

Dating is an important part of becoming an adult, but it can also be confusing and frightening. This Emmy Award-winning program presents basic guidelines that clarify common myths, such as that no" really means "yes." Abuse and respect, sexual stereotypes, how to break up, and preventing violence are all discussed, along with what true love is ... and is not. Skits, dialogue, and quizzes engage the audience and present sensitive material in a very hip format. (26 minutes)"

The institution of marriage is facing strong challenges in the 21st century, as diversity and inclusivity continue to reshape its underlying principles. Supported by some and opposed by others, issues such as same-sex marriages and the raising of families outside of marriage are ongoing sources of debate. Can marriage evolve? This program focuses on the efforts of religion and society to redefine and strengthen the marriage relationship. (30 minutes)