Calls for more support for teenage dads
Teenage dads can face the challenges of stigma and isolation while also managing their own physical and psychological changes. And all the while, they're caring for a child. The number of young dads has risen and while they're still only a small percentage of the population, there are calls for more support for young parents to break the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage.
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00:00 Anton Gower had just turned 19 when his partner Taylor fell pregnant with their son Eli.
00:07 It was a real big surprise for both of us, but a happy surprise.
00:13 Good job, whoa, big step.
00:16 But he felt the stigma of being a young dad.
00:19 Yeah, high five.
00:22 You can just tell what they're thinking, like, "Are you sure that's a good idea?" or "It
00:27 doesn't seem like he's making the right choice."
00:29 Can I have that one?
00:30 Anton has no regrets, but along with the joys of parenting, there have been challenges,
00:36 like finding somewhere to live and paying for essentials.
00:40 Sometimes we can't afford to pay power for the three months, so we have to set payment
00:45 plans, and that means we have to pay $100 a fortnight, which means less groceries.
00:51 The number of teenage parents has remained steady in recent years. Young parents are
00:56 more likely to live in regional areas than cities, and there's been a rise in the number
01:01 of young fathers.
01:03 While numbers are low, experts say support for young parents is crucial to break the
01:09 cycle of generational disadvantage.
01:12 If we don't support young parents to be really good at what they do and be able to really
01:17 support their child because they've got the education and they've got the services, then
01:22 that young child is going to be disadvantaged.
01:25 The Brave Foundation has started a program to mentor young dads.
01:30 They have faced stigma and isolation and judgement, and so it's been really important for them
01:35 to have access to a supporting person, a trusted guide who can walk alongside them and encourage
01:41 them in their parenting journey.
01:44 The organisation has helped Anton enrol in a teacher's aid course, a path he's hoping
01:49 will help him realise his dreams.
01:52 Just make sure he grows up having a good life. That's my goal.
01:56 [BLANK_AUDIO]