Background
When the artist read articles regarding teenage pregnancy in Singapore, she realised that girls facing teenage pregnancy are unfairly viewed negatively in Singapore's conservative society. Yet, nobody likes to openly talk about it.
She felt that this taboo topic needed to be addressed in an accessible way, so that teens who find themselves in this predicament can identify their problems and more clearly navigate themselves through their plight.
Additionally, other readers can better understand the struggle and pain of being a pregnant teen and perhaps be more sympathetic of such people instead of silently judging and condemning them.
Conceptualisation
Primary target audience:
Teenagers aged 16-19
Secondary target audience:
Young adults aged 20-30
Key messages:
- Don't be afraid to seek help as a pregnant teen instead of hurting yourself.
- Be kinder to pregnant teens as they already face many struggles.
- To teen girls: A pregnant girl is always judged by society so protect yourselves.
The Project
is a multi-media project about teenage pregnancy comprising of four main components: a picture book, a trailer and promotional poster for the picture book, and a series of informative posters to spread awareness of the key messages of this project.
The picture book tells the story of Emma, the main character in Bad Apple, as she finds out she is pregnant and the struggles which she faces through her dilemma.
The trailer and promotional poster accompany the picture book, and are to be spread through various media platforms to spread awareness of the book.
The series of promotional posters make use of thought-evoking imagery to show the struggle of being a pregnant teen, to persuade teenagers to have safe sex.
Teenage Pregnancy
According to the World Health Organisation, about 16 million girls aged between 15 and 19 years and about 1 million girls below 15 years old give birth every year. Complications during pregnancy, birth and the post-partum phase are the second cause of death among girls aged between 15 and 19 years worldwide.
Teenage pregnancy is a silent yet harsh reality that some girls face in Singapore. However, it is still considered a taboo to many, with little resources to help girls who face this issue. In fact, many teen girls find out too late in their pregnancy to get an abortion, sometimes willingly ignoring their baby bump because it means they have to face their situation. Their partners might also leave them, causing them to be alone and scared in their plight.
With this project, the artist hopes that girls facing teenage pregnancy in Singapore feel heard, so that they know they are not alone in their problems. Hopefully, they can also use this project to find people who will help them.
For more information about teenage pregnancy, check out:
- Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support Ltd at https://www.babes.org.sg/
If you or a loved one are ever feeling any suicidal thoughts due to to teenage pregnancy, or just need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to call a helpline:
- AWARE Women's Helpline: 1800 777 5555
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800 221 4444