Jason Bateman Defends Juno in Wake of Reported Teen "Pregnancy Pact"

Us Magazine - June 25, 2008 5:40 AM PDT
Story photo: Jason Bateman Defends Juno in Wake of Reported Teen Us Magazine
During the same week Jamie Lynn Spears, 17, gave birth to daughter Maddie, Time magazine reported that 17 high school students - all under the age of 16-years-old - in Gloucester Massachusetts, were pregnant after making a pact to have babies together.

"Some girls seemed more upset when they weren't pregnant than when they were," Gloucester High School principal Joseph Sullivan revealed to Time.

(Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk told the Boston Herald, "The information from the principal has not been verified by any other source.)

Many media outlets have since dubbed the rash of teen pregnancies the "Juno Effect," referencing the Oscar nominated film starring Ellen Page and Bateman.

I dont know the specifics, but I can speak about what sort of responsibility entertainment should hold for social behavior, Bateman told Access Hollywood Tuesday.

Unfortunately, weve had these instances where guys kill people because of what they hear in rock n roll lyrics or some garbage like that. Look, if youre going to blame a movie or song for your actions, whether they be good or bad, I think youre looking at the wrong things to influence your life.

Bateman continued, I think people should look to other areas of their life for lessons and guidance, mainly parents, or teachers, or friends, or whomever. That should probably be where you should point your eyes and ears.

(See pictures of Jamie Lynn's bump)

Tell Us: Do you agree with Jason?


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comments 1-10 of 11  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Tara
    First of all, did anyone who came up with the term "Juno effect" even see the movie? Please tell me, what part of that movie made teen pregnancy look fun, exciting, or glamorous? I also completely agree with Jason Bateman. I work as a social worker and in my work I have come to believe that parents are the number one influence in a child's life.
    report abuseposted July 9, 2008 5:27 PM PDT
  • ruff dawg
    While Mr. Bateman is correct in his assessment that people (namely adolescent's) SHOULD be deriving their life lessons and guidance from parents, teachers, or friends, welcome to the reality where people do not turn to those areas. Adolescent's are way more influenced by media than some of the readership here acknowledges. And we are all witnessing the results.
    report abuseposted July 9, 2008 2:03 PM PDT
  • Stacy R
    I took my 12 year old son with me to see Juno. I asked him what he learned from the movie. He said not to have sex. I followed up and we talked about it more. You have to educate your children about sex and what can happen. We make sure we educate our children in all areas for them to have a good life. Sex should be a part of that education. Also make sure your teenage kids are not bored!
    report abuseposted July 9, 2008 12:47 PM PDT
  • Deems
    I was 16 when I had my son 7 years ago. It was the hardest most stressful thing I thought could ever happen to me. But at 16 I was selfish, undisciplined, and very immature. Having him didn't only help me grow up but better appreciate life in general. I do not condone a teenage pregnancy. I think that it's a hard life to choose and they will learn the hard way!
    report abuseposted July 9, 2008 11:06 AM PDT
  • Goddess
    Every time a song or movie comes out America wants to place the blame on it for lack of proper parenting or bad moral choices. Teens pregnancies aren't some new fad. The only thing is that back in the day the family moved to cover it up or sent the girl away until after the baby was born. Today society makes excuses or condones the situation. Most parents today are too busy for their chil
    report abuseposted July 9, 2008 10:10 AM PDT
  • Leneisha S
    This is completely stupid. That was jus a movie and a good one at that. They made a pact with their friends to have babies they should not nor should anyone else blame their actions on the movie. People are smart enough to know the differences between right and wrong, truth and reality. I liked the movie and I don't think anyone should take away the value of the movie because of this even
    report abuseposted July 9, 2008 10:06 AM PDT
  • HappyUGGgirl
    I don't think Juno has had an effect on the rise of teen pregnancies. However, stores like Macys are now catering to pregnant teens by selling Maternity jeans in the Juniors department and disguising them with the label “Lounge Act". I am sorry jeans with a 6inch big blue elastic band on the waist does not constitute as lounge pants, they are maternity pants for teens.
    report abuseposted July 9, 2008 9:53 AM PDT
  • Lulu
    I dont agree with the term "Juno Effect" because Juno did not purposefuly get pregnant, and when she did she decided to do the responsible thing and give her baby up for adoption, to a family that could give ehr a better life. This whole Pregnancy Pact should not be blamed on the entertainment industry but the people that are supposed to guide these girls.
    report abuseposted June 29, 2008 2:50 PM PDT
  • I agree with Mr. Bateman's comments, but you know America, blame anyone and anything except for where the blame really belongs.
    report abuseposted June 26, 2008 3:17 PM PDT
  • Chrystine C
    Tesha - Did you see the movie? Juno did not deliberately get pregnant. She had sex just to "try it" and did not consider the consequences. It is admirably that Juno did not allow herself to be swayed by emotion and decide to keep and raise the baby alone. Kids who want a baby to feel better about themselves have far deeper issues than having movie personalities as role mode
    report abuseposted June 26, 2008 10:22 AM PDT
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