The Experiences of Mothers Aged Under 20: Analysis of Growing Up in Scotland Data - Research Findings

Parenting support

Mothers aged under 20 were less likely to have attended ante-natal classes. Attendance increases with age though there is a more significant distinction between those over and under 25 than between the two youngest groups.

When their child was aged two and four, mothers aged under 20 were more likely than older mothers to report having seen their health visitor in the last year (69% and 41% for mothers aged under 20 at ages two and four respectively, compared with 62% and 32% for mothers in their early twenties and those aged 25 or older).

Overall, younger mothers were less likely to have sought out or used a range of sources of advice or support. Indeed, younger mothers, those aged under 20 in particular, seem more wary of seeking formal support and less sure about who to ask for advice.

All mothers most preferred to receive parenting information and advice in person, on a one-to-one basis. Younger mothers were less likely than older mothers to prefer receiving advice via a seminar or group and more likely to prefer informal sources such as family or friends.