“Virtual dolls” that mirror the needs of a baby do not reduce the number of teenage pregnancies, a study has revealed.
Research published in ‘The Lancet’ revealed that the 1,267 girls from Australia who enrolled in a ‘Virtual Infant Parenting Programme’ were more likely to get pregnant than those who didn’t take part.
“These interventions are likely to be an ineffective use of public resources for pregnancy prevention.”
Open Image Modal
iconics/a.collectionRF via Getty Images
Girls on the ‘Virtual Infant Parenting Programme’ were taught about contraception, watched videos of teenage mothers and burped, changed and fed virtual dolls over the course of a weekend.
When the girls were followed up aged 20, 8% had given birth at least once and 9% had had an abortion, the study found.
This is nearly double the rate for girls who didn’t use the dolls, - just 4% had given birth and 6% had an abortion.
Commenting on the results of the study, Julie Quinlivan, from the Institute for Health Research at the University of Notre Dame Australia, said an issue with the programme was that it did not focus on fathers.
“Secondary school age is too late to start educating vulnerable children about teenage pregnancy prevention,” she added, according to the BBC.
“A simulator cannot really convey what looking after a real baby is like.”
Siobhan Freegard, founder of video-based parenting site Channel Mum, believes the dolls don’t show how hard parenting can be.
“Looking after a doll for a weekend is fun - but being a full-time teenage mum is incredibly tough,” she told The Huffington Post UK.
“Though well-meaning, the doll programme could encourage some vulnerable teens to become parents, as these statistics show.
“Many young mums from difficult backgrounds report having a child made them feel needed and valued - and the doll programme could reinforce this.
“But spending 48 hours with a toy cannot prepare you for the relentless reality of caring for a child when you are barely into adulthood yourself.”
The rate was 22.9 conceptions per thousand 15- to 17-year-old girls in 2014.
The number of teenage mothers fell to 22,653 in 2014, compared with 24,306 in 2013, a decrease of 6.8%. In 1969, when records started, there were 45,495 teenage pregnancies.
Pregnancy worries and words of comfort
I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )
I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )
I'll lose the baby(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )
My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )
I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )
I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )
I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )
Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )
I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )
I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )