Boy becomes father at 13

[hibiedude]

The case of baby-faced Alfie Patten - who was aged just 12 when the baby was conceived - exemplified the "complete collapse" of parts of society,
The furore was sparked after Alfie and 15-year-old Chantelle Steadman brought Maisie Roxanne into the world at the Eastbourne District General Hospital, East Sussex.

When asked how Alfie Patten plained to financially support his family, his reply was; what does financially mean

[Gatecrasher]

The case of baby-faced Alfie Patten - who was aged just 12 when the baby was conceived - exemplified the "complete collapse" of parts of society,
The furore was sparked after Alfie and 15-year-old Chantelle Steadman brought Maisie Roxanne into the world at the Eastbourne District General Hospital, East Sussex.

When asked how Alfie Patten plained to financially support his family, his reply was; what does financially mean

shockin eh!

i wonder who will be financially supporting this child.

probably not the parents anyway :rolleyes:

[Sir David Gray]

Extremely sad case.

Obviously the parents (and I mean the parents of the teenagers) have failed miserably in their responsibility to educate those two about simple facts of nature.

I don't think either of them hid the fact that they were going out with each other. As soon as two young teenagers enter a relationship, surely you let them know what the boundaries are and what the consequences might be of irresponsible actions. Of course, given their ages, they shouldn't even have been in a sexual relationship in the first place, but that's another story.

Given the fact that both parents are still at school, the girl's family are living on benefits and already have five children, no doubt the state will be picking up a further tab.

I heard earlier that the family will be entitled to around £600 a week in benefits which, if true, is shocking.

I hope, for the sake of this innocent young child, that these two children will be good parents and that the baby will have a good upbringing. Sadly, given that the father doesn't even know what "financially" means and only sometimes gets £10 pocket money, I have grave doubts about the likelihood of that happening.

It's yet another sign that sex education in this country, is extremely lacking.

[Ally]

I think the sex education received by most is perferctly adequate, it's just that it's given at a later age. I don't even mean a later age as in past the age of consent; when it's given all the students are still under 16, and usually a bit younger. The case here is that the people involved are so young they haven't even had proper sex education!

It's not that the sex education here is poor, it's that it's being taught at a later age where some people are having sex even before they have had any kind of education at all!

[500miles]

Am I the only one that looked at how young the boy looked and thought there was no way he was far enough through puberty to be biologically capable of fathering a child? I may be showing my ignorance on the subject, but if I was Alfie's parents, i would be asking for a DNA test.

[Betty Boop]

I think the sex education received by most is perferctly adequate, it's just that it's given at a later age. I don't even mean a later age as in past the age of consent; when it's given all the students are still under 16, and usually a bit younger. The case here is that the people involved are so young they haven't even had proper sex education!

It's not that the sex education here is poor, it's that it's being taught at a later age where some people are having sex even before they have had any kind of education at all! Is it? My daughter is fourteen and has had no sex education at her secondary school, apparently it is only taught if you take child care as a subject. From what she tells me quite a few in her year have already had sex. No surprise that the UK has the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Europe.:rolleyes:

[Hainan Hibs]

Am I the only one that looked at how young the boy looked and thought there was no way he was far enough through puberty to be biologically capable of fathering a child? I may be showing my ignorance on the subject, but if I was Alfie's parents, i would be asking for a DNA test.

I thought the same, especially after seeing the photo of the him and the 15 year old mum together. I'd definately be getting a DNA test, I think the lassies hiding something.

[EH6 Hibby]

I also think that boy should be asking for a Paternity test, I was looking at the photo's of him holding the baby when he's sitting down, and he looks so young it's scary, it could easily have been my four and a half year old son holding that baby! Obviously when he stands up it would be clear that he's older, but he just doesn't seem mature enough physically to father a child! :confused:

[MyJo]

Its just been on the radio that the boys parents want a DNA test done as there is another 16 year old boy claiming he could be the father

[hibiedude]

Its just been on the radio that the boys parents want a DNA test done as there is another 16 year old boy claiming he could be the father

Just read that :bitchy: doesn't say good things about the girl when there is 2 who could be the dad

[Sean1875]

Just read that :bitchy: doesn't say good things about the girl when there is 2 who could be the dad
the fact she had unprotected sex with a 12 year old isnt exactly a positive thing either :bitchy:

[Speedy]

Just read that :bitchy: doesn't say good things about the girl when there is 2 who could be the dad

Could be more than that apparently

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/177665/Richard-Goodsell-Im-the-real-daddy-Alfie-and-I-want-a-DNA-test-to-prove-it.html

[Ally]

Up to 8! What the ****.

[hibiedude]

Could be more than that apparently

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/177665/Richard-Goodsell-Im-the-real-daddy-Alfie-and-I-want-a-DNA-test-to-prove-it.html

Looks like Chantelle Steadman is the local bike, as a father of 3 that's just not except able as a parent and questions should be asked about what level her mum and dad parenting skills are at.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Could be more than that apparently

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/177665/Richard-Goodsell-Im-the-real-daddy-Alfie-and-I-want-a-DNA-test-to-prove-it.html

Absolutely shocking. Her parents should be locked up for letting boys regularly stay in her bed. The way the tabloids are glamourising this whole store is also disgusting.

She's nearly 16 and if her and Alfie got a flat together she could claim child benefits for both the father and daughter:bitchy:

This country needs a benefits shake up, because its far too easy for people to leech of society.

[Storar]

Richard’s mother Barbie-Jayne, 35, backs his story. She has five kids and was a teenager when she gave birth to Richard.

:hilarious

[Danderhall Hibs]

She's nearly 16 and if her and Alfie got a flat together she could claim child benefits for both the father and daughter:bitchy:


How - is she wee Alfie's mum as well? :dunno: :greengrin

Seriously though there must be some candy in this with the amount of daft wee laddies queuing up to claim they're the dad. Anyone got any idea how much is in it for them?

I'd chuck my hat into the ring (no pun intended) if she wasn't such an ugly *******. Imagine admitting you'd ****ged her. :bitchy: :jamboak:

[Dashing Bob S]

The tale seems to be one of a rather disturbed and vulnerable young girl, desperate for attention and issuing sexual favours to youths in a bid to get it. This sort of thing and the obvious lack of parental guidance has been happening since the year dot. In most cases once the girl is discovered pregnant, a termination is arranged. Now childhood and children have become so commodified and festishised by society, a baby has been brought into the world in adverse circumstances.

The real villains are the media and those who sensationalise things by claiming that society is breaking down.

[Jonnyboy]

Is what they've done not only shocking but also illegal? Both are under age so neither can be having sex legally? :dunno:

[degenerated]

just heard that Alfie Patten has joined fathers for justice. he doesn't understand much about the politics of it all but he is over the moon with the spider man costume :greengrin

[Jonnyboy]

just heard that Alfie Patten has joined fathers for justice. he doesn't understand much about the politics of it all but he is over the moon with the spider man costume :greengrin

:greengrin

At least they can do their homework together :wink: :greengrin

[Ed De Gramo]

I've been monitoring Alfiegate quite closely....and it's horrible...

8 potential dads, Chantelle and baby gone into hiding, complete lack of respect for the baby, parents trying to cash in on the story, broken Britain getting worse and worse.....

[Woody1985]

Is what they've done not only shocking but also illegal? Both are under age so neither can be having sex legally? :dunno:

Do you propose putting them both in jail / juvenile detention? That'll help the kid!

Surely if two people, say two 15 year olds are at it then it's because they fell they are ready. Because society says it's bad doesn't mean it's not natural.

I know it's a bit different as the boy's been molested in this case. :faf:

She should be done. :LOL:

[Pete]

The tale seems to be one of a rather disturbed and vulnerable young girl, desperate for attention and issuing sexual favours to youths in a bid to get it. This sort of thing and the obvious lack of parental guidance has been happening since the year dot. In most cases once the girl is discovered pregnant, a termination is arranged. Now childhood and children have become so commodified and festishised by society, a baby has been brought into the world in adverse circumstances.

The real villains are the media and those who sensationalise things by claiming that society is breaking down.

I think you are right to blame the media but not for the reasons you state. Society is breaking down in my opinion...nothing to do with the media. Purely empirical.

The media are in the wrong for starting this feeding frenzy for the story and the highest bidder will get the bounty. What sort of message does this send out? A baby can now be even more of a meal ticket if born to extremely young parents.

Another statement I didn't altogether feel comfortable with was the social services statement. "We will do all we can to support the baby and her family".

I suppose they couldn't have said anything else but yet again, what sort of message does this send out? Do what you like but the state will just soak up your emotional and financial needs. Why no statement saying that this is definately not the best way to bring a baby into the world or at least saying it's not ideal??

The government knocks it's head off walls to try and understand why we have the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe...yet this whole sorry affair has been allowed to look like an advert for a specific way of life that will guarantee you will be looked after for acting irresponsibly.

[Sir David Gray]

I think you are right to blame the media but not for the reasons you state. Society is breaking down in my opinion...nothing to do with the media. Purely empirical.

The media are in the wrong for starting this feeding frenzy for the story and the highest bidder will get the bounty. What sort of message does this send out? A baby can now be even more of a meal ticket if born to extremely young parents.

Another statement I didn't altogether feel comfortable with was the social services statement. "We will do all we can to support the baby and her family".

I suppose they couldn't have said anything else but yet again, what sort of message does this send out? Do what you like but the state will just soak up your emotional and financial needs. Why no statement saying that this is definately not the best way to bring a baby into the world or at least saying it's not ideal??

The government knocks it's head off walls to try and understand why we have the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe...yet this whole sorry affair has been allowed to look like an advert for a specific way of life that will guarantee you will be looked after for acting irresponsibly.

:top marks Excellent post.

[Darth Hibbie]

Do you propose putting them both in jail / juvenile detention? That'll help the kid!

Surely if two people, say two 15 year olds are at it then it's because they fell they are ready. Because society says it's bad doesn't mean it's not natural.

I know it's a bit different as the boy's been molested in this case. :faf:

She should be done. :LOL:

If it was the other way around with the boy being the 15 year old he probably would be done.

[Hibrandenburg]

I think you are right to blame the media but not for the reasons you state. Society is breaking down in my opinion...nothing to do with the media. Purely empirical.

The media are in the wrong for starting this feeding frenzy for the story and the highest bidder will get the bounty. What sort of message does this send out? A baby can now be even more of a meal ticket if born to extremely young parents.

Another statement I didn't altogether feel comfortable with was the social services statement. "We will do all we can to support the baby and her family".

I suppose they couldn't have said anything else but yet again, what sort of message does this send out? Do what you like but the state will just soak up your emotional and financial needs. Why no statement saying that this is definately not the best way to bring a baby into the world or at least saying it's not ideal??

The government knocks it's head off walls to try and understand why we have the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe...yet this whole sorry affair has been allowed to look like an advert for a specific way of life that will guarantee you will be looked after for acting irresponsibly.

Good post and the worrying thing is that political parties will have to take into account these peoples votes in the future. :worried:

[Chez]

Do you propose putting them both in jail / juvenile detention? That'll help the kid!

Surely if two people, say two 15 year olds are at it then it's because they fell they are ready. Because society says it's bad doesn't mean it's not natural.

I know it's a bit different as the boy's been molested in this case. :faf:

She should be done. :LOL:

Absolutely - human's need a scapegoat - something or someone to blame for happenings. Let's blame the parent's, blame society, blame the education system etc etc.

As we can see from this, blaming something or someone disnae solve/stop teenage pregnancies. As a parent of a teenager myself, am realistic enough to realise that, even if I said to him he was not sleeping/having sex in my house/his bed, it certainly will not stop him from having sex with a teenage girl if he is so curious to try it out with her - he will find somewhere to do it. The best I can do is to emphasise how important it is to use contraception whilst doing it - even then, I cannot guarantee he will.

Can anybody really say that, as teenagers themselves, they honestly stopped/will not go out with someone, play the field, kiss someone, smoke, drink, swear etc because their parent insisted they do and its for their own good?

So far, my experience is that early intervention/education has worked - the sooner that my child has noticed that boys/girls have differences, then its time to educate about these differences, a little at a time.

[Hibrandenburg]

Absolutely - human's need a scapegoat - something or someone to blame for happenings. Let's blame the parent's, blame society, blame the education system etc etc.

As we can see from this, blaming something or someone disnae solve/stop teenage pregnancies. As a parent of a teenager myself, am realistic enough to realise that, even if I said to him he was not sleeping/having sex in my house/his bed, it certainly will not stop him from having sex with a teenage girl if he is so curious to try it out with her - he will find somewhere to do it. The best I can do is to emphasise how important it is to use contraception whilst doing it - even then, I cannot guarantee he will.

Can anybody really say that, as teenagers themselves, they honestly stopped/will not go out with someone, play the field, kiss someone, smoke, drink, swear etc because their parent insisted they do and its for their own good?

So far, my experience is that early intervention/education has worked - the sooner that my child has noticed that boys/girls have differences, then its time to educate about these differences, a little at a time.

:top marks Yup, don't dodge the questions and try and give an honest answer :agree:

[Chez]

:top marks Yup, don't dodge the questions and try and give an honest answer :agree:

Thanks Hiberlin for your support there - for example, he asked me how many times I did it without using contraception before I came pregnant with him at 11, my answer was once. He knows now that it only takes once without contraception for a lass to fall pregnant -that's been my way and it has worked so far, fingers crossed :wink:

[Danderhall Hibs]

Thanks Hiberlin for your support there - for example, he asked me how many times I did it without using contraception before I came pregnant with him at 11, my answer was once. He knows now that it only takes once without contraception for a lass to fall pregnant -that's been my way and it has worked so far, fingers crossed :wink:

Jeezo how did that not make the papers - puts wee Alfie firnly in the shade!:greengrin

[Chez]

Jeezo how did that not make the papers - puts wee Alfie firnly in the shade!:greengrin

:faf: :stirrer: :faf:

[Sean1875]

Do you propose putting them both in jail / juvenile detention? That'll help the kid!

Surely if two people, say two 15 year olds are at it then it's because they fell they are ready. Because society says it's bad doesn't mean it's not natural.

I know it's a bit different as the boy's been molested in this case. :faf:

She should be done. :LOL:

Is that not how this whole problem came about in the first place? :wink:

[Hibrandenburg]

Thanks Hiberlin for your support there - for example, he asked me how many times I did it without using contraception before I came pregnant with him at 11, my answer was once. He knows now that it only takes once without contraception for a lass to fall pregnant -that's been my way and it has worked so far, fingers crossed :wink:

Jings that's early! But fair doos, sounds like you've got a sensible head on you and going by your details your wee man should be 33 by now :greengrin Maybe it's time for him to get started on some Grand Kids? :agree:

[EH6 Hibby]

Absolutely - human's need a scapegoat - something or someone to blame for happenings. Let's blame the parent's, blame society, blame the education system etc etc.

As we can see from this, blaming something or someone disnae solve/stop teenage pregnancies. As a parent of a teenager myself, am realistic enough to realise that, even if I said to him he was not sleeping/having sex in my house/his bed, it certainly will not stop him from having sex with a teenage girl if he is so curious to try it out with her - he will find somewhere to do it. The best I can do is to emphasise how important it is to use contraception whilst doing it - even then, I cannot guarantee he will.

Can anybody really say that, as teenagers themselves, they honestly stopped/will not go out with someone, play the field, kiss someone, smoke, drink, swear etc because their parent insisted they do and its for their own good?

So far, my experience is that early intervention/education has worked - the sooner that my child has noticed that boys/girls have differences, then its time to educate about these differences, a little at a time.

I agree with a lot of what you are saying, but I think the thing to point out, is that you are speaking like a responsible parent! I agree that you can't always blame the parents, but if the parents are wasters like it would appear in this case, then I think it's perfectly acceptable to blame them! Obviously there is only so much a parent can do, but if a child is brought up in a stable enviroment and is taught respect for themselves and for others and right from wrong etc, then I think the child will then be able to make the right decisions for themselves. Obviously there will be the odd exception, but it certainly works for most people.

[Woody1985]

Is that not how this whole problem came about in the first place? :wink:

:faf:

[Chez]

Good post and the worrying thing is that political parties will have to take into account these peoples votes in the future. :worried:

According to The Times, the government have produced a new leaflet which will be available to all parents in how to educate your children regarding sex:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article5780725.ece

The strange thing is Hiberlin, its what you and I have posted about earlier :greengrin

[MrRobot]

Least they can share nappies.

[Hibrandenburg]

According to The Times, the government have produced a new leaflet which will be available to all parents in how to educate your children regarding sex:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article5780725.ece

The strange thing is Hiberlin, its what you and I have posted about earlier :greengrin

:agree: Why should talking with (not lecturing) your kids about sex be any different than informing them how to cross the road safely. When kids haven't formed their own opinion on something, then they're gonna give it a go and try and find out for themselves.

[Chez]

:agree: Why should talking with (not lecturing) your kids about sex be any different than informing them how to cross the road safely. When kids haven't formed their own opinion on something, then they're gonna give it a go and try and find out for themselves.

:agree: Absolutely - lecturing and shameful messages/attitudes only encourage them to do exactly the opposite of what you want them to do :agree:

[Dashing Bob S]

:agree: Absolutely - lecturing and shameful messages/attitudes only encourage them to do exactly the opposite of what you want them to do :agree:

Totally agree. I recieved little in way of sex education from my parents, they were both too embarrassed to mention anything. I certainly could have done with some guidance in my adolescence.

I find it somewhat awkward with my own children who are coming to that age, but I completely agree that the key is informed discussion of these issues.