BBC criticised for child parenting reality TV series

by Alex Donohue, Brand Republic 04-Jan-07, 08:50

LONDON - The BBC has been heavily criticised by child protection charity Kidscape for its latest reality TV series 'The Baby Borrowers', which puts five teenage couples in charge of the welfare of young children.

The eight-part BBC Three series, which begins on January 8, has been described as "irresponsible and sick" by children's charity Kidscape for allowing inexperienced teenagers to take full responsibility for the welfare of a child.

According to reports, one child had to be taken away from its carers, another was "not fed for a day", and one couple split up on air during 'The Baby Borrowers', which puts 16- to 19-year-old couples in full charge of children aged from six months to 14 years.

Dr Michele Elliot, founder and director of Kidscape, said: "It's sick to think that the BBC would commission such a show. Is this really what they should be spending licence payers' money on?

"I'm also appalled that the parents let their children be used in this way. Someone's got to make a stand and say this is a reality show too far."

Kidscape criticised the programme makers for not adequately ensuring that the teenage couples had access to psychological support.

'The Baby Borrowers' was also attacked by Norfolk County Council, where the series was filmed, over concerns "about the very real risk of physical or psychological damage to the children involved".

A BBC spokesman responded to the criticism, saying: "The safety of children is of paramount importance. Hence, extraordinary steps were taken, including psychological screening, criminal record checks, the use of 24/7 CCTV cameras and employing only trained childcare professionals."

The BBC confirmed that professional nannies and registered childminders were on standby during the making of the series, which was filmed on a housing estate in Norwich.

The broadcaster has described 'The Baby Borrowers' as a "month-long social experiment", which would uncover the difficulties of being a young parent in the UK.

Excerpts from the series can be viewed from the BBC Three website.

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