The television shows 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom have been a ratings bonanza for MTV. My old friend Ingrid (just to be clear and to keep myself out of trouble, Ingrid herself is decidedly not old, it is our friendship that is long standing) reports that Teen Mom and a number of the girls from the show were among the top "trending" topics on the Twitterverse last night. For the un-Twitter-comfortable among you, the previous sentence simply means that of all the topics being discussed on Twitter, Teen Mom was among the most popular. My simple point here is that these two shows continue to capture the attention of teens and young adults in great numbers. That is, in my view, a very good thing.

There are some, of course, that disagree. Some disagree strongly. The general criticism leveled against these shows is that they make teen parenthood seem glamorous. This line of attack has always puzzled me. Everything that I have seen on 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom have led me to the exact opposite conclusion--these shows are an engaging and sobering look at the considerable challenges faced by teen parents. I'm not sure how anyone can watch these shows and suggest that there is anything glamorous about them. What I see is a group of young people struggling with their new, lifelong responsibilities, correctly fretting over parenting and providing, and often lamenting what might have been.

In surveys conducted for The National Campaign (PDF), both teens and parents consistently say that they wish the media showed more or talked more about the consequences of sex, including teen pregnancy. That is exactly what 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom do so very well. Bravo MTV. You don't need to hear it from me but keep up the good work.

P.S. Already noted in this space but worth repeating: Do listen to NPR's take on these shows. Spot on.