BBC Three are airing a reality programme next week which, astonishingly, puts babies in the care of teenage couples. You know, teenagers? Those irresponsible oiks that clutter up street corners and the occasional ballet? Well, the BBC has been criticised for 'putting the children at risk.'

The Baby Borrowers shows a group of teenage couples trying to look after children aged from six months to 14 years, to see how they cope with the reality of parenthood... as opposed to getting some actual teenage parents of which we have lots of in this fair country. The show has already been branded "irresponsible and sick" by children's charities for putting the babies taking part at risk.

Dr Michele Elliott of the child protection charity Kidscape, told The Telegraph. "What is the BBC thinking of, giving babies and young children to inexperienced teenagers as entertainment? It's sick to think that the BBC would commission such a show. Is this really what they should be spending licence payers' money on? I'm also appalled that the parents let their children be used in this way. Someone's got to make a stand and say this is a reality show too far!"

During filming, which took place on a cul-de-sac in Sprowston near Norwich last summer, one baby was removed from its carers and another child was not fed for a day. Norfolk County Council asked the BBC to cancel production of the show because of "concerns about the very real risk of physical or psychological damage to the children involved". Naturally, the BBC stood firm and said that the safety of the children was of paramount importance and that professional nannies were on standby throughout the experiment, with the Teens and Toddlers charity acting as consultants to "ensure that the subject matter was handled with sensitivity". The subject matter? Do they mean little children by that? Furthermore, what use is it having professional nannies on standby if they aren't going to leap in after a baby hasn't been fed for a day?

Of course, the BBC have covered their behinds by getting the permission of the children's parents who were staying nearby throughout filming, and having psychological screening, criminal record checks, 24/7 CCTV cameras with only trained child care professionals and registered child minders monitoring the children also employed. Still, there is no getting away from the fact that it all sounds a bit wrong. To watch a clip of the show, follow this link.