CW's 90210 - Irresponsible Messages to Teens?

Are there any 90210 fans out there? The CW has revived this all-time popular TV show from the nineties – in fact, the two-hour premiere (earlier this month) broke CW records by becoming the network's all-time highest-rated scripted debut. Although edgier and racier than the original series, the new 90210 is sure to attract a whole new generation of fans and viewers. With that being said, I have to admit that I was extremely disappointed with the episode that aired this week. In a nutshell, Annie (one of the main characters) was planning to have sex for the first time, so she found her brother and asked him for the condom he keeps in his wallet.

Okay – not so disappointing (I know), but here is the clincher. The brother has kept this condom in his wallet for the last 4 years…just incase he needed it! Okay, I applaud the show for at least showing some teenage responsibility as it relates to contraception; however, what makes this a terrible message to convey to adolescent viewers centers on two issues. First, condoms actually have expiration dates, and they deteriorate with age. Also, unless one is planning on using the condom that day, it should NOT be stored in a wallet as the friction caused by opening and closing a wallet and from walking may cause tiny holes to develop in the condom, and the heat can compromise the condom’s effectiveness.

It seems to me that television shows that are aimed at younger viewers must take this responsibility a wee-bit more seriously. After all, it’s great that Annie showed some initiative in obtaining a condom, yet if the condom isn’t good anymore, then using it may not actually do anything!

• Tips for Safely Storing Birth Control
• Does Using Two Condoms Provide Better Protection?
• How To Prevent Condom Failure

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