pregnancy by wearing green ribbons, part of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month campaign.

Director of Teen Services, Michelle Johnson, said it was not just a problem of teens having sex at an early age.

"The issues related to early pregnancy and childbearing include broad social, economic, cultural, and psychological factors,'' she said.

"These include poverty, school failure, and sexual abuse,'' she said.

"Another complicating factor is that adult men are frequently the fathers of children born to teenage women.'' Speaking about teen pregnancy, Mr. Bascome said it was important to realise what the role of being popular and trendy has in promoting teen pregnancy.

Mr. Bascome, who left his job as a drug counsellor to become a cabinet member, said it is often difficult to influence negative behaviour without combating social pressures among young people.

He added: "We in this field need to appreciate that.'' May is the month with the highest number of births to teens and the US Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy has been in existence for several years.

The local campaign is designed to help people recognise the effects of unintended teen pregnancy and early childbirth.

It is intended that discussion of teen pregnancy will lead to responsible and positive attitudes and behaviour about sexuality.

Teens will be more likely to postpone intercourse when they have discussed it properly and those that do decide to become sexually active are more likely to use protection.

Teen Services plan an essay, poetry, and poster competitions for Bermuda's teens and plans to publish the results.

The department will distribute green ribbons to highlight the campaign.