Below is a letter to The Telegraph (there was also an article about this as these are big shots, but can't find it online.T
Letters to the Telegraph
Bringing up baby
Sir ? We are alarmed, as academics and professionals, that Channel 4 is broadcasting such an exploitative parenting series as Bringing Up Baby, the last part of which is to be shown tonight.
Many techniques in these programmes fly in the face of scientific knowledge about brain development in very young babies. That anyone should be billed as an expert and allowed to promote ideas such as not making eye contact with babies and not comforting them in distress is at best irresponsible and at worst dangerous.
To see these theories being put into practice with real babies in the name of entertainment is worrying.
Last year, the Family and Parenting Institute surveyed parents about television parenting programmes, and 83 per cent said they found a technique in these programmes helpful. So with such an influence on parents, it is shocking that broadcasters do not exercise more responsibility.
We call on all production companies to stop making programmes that give irresponsible advice and turn the suffering of tiny babies into adult entertainment.
Mary MacLeod, Chief Executive, Family and Parenting Institute, London NW5
Penny Mansfield, Director, One Plus One
Dorit Braun, Chief Executive, Parentline Plus
Dr Shirley Gracias, Chair, Association for Infant Mental Health UK
Dr Cheryll Adams, Acting Lead Professional Officer, Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association
Christine Bidmead, Chair, Health Visiting Forum
Stephen Scott, Professor of Child Health and Behaviour, King's College, London
Back to top