The NSPCC is to set up a body to protect children who appear on reality television shows amid concerns over “irresponsible” parenting programmes. Experts will advise production companies on how to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of young people and babies appearing on shows.

The move comes after critics expressed concern about a Channel 4 series, Bringing Up Baby, in which parents were advised to ignore their baby’s cries and a BBC Three programme, The Baby Borrowers, that showed young children being left with inexperienced teenagers. The society said that the rapid growth in reality parenting broadcasts was exposing the young to potential harm.

The NSPCC said that “outdated and potentially harmful” methods of baby care had prompted it to say that programme-makers needed to assure the public that checks were in place to safeguard children.

Dame Mary Marsh, director and chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “We are increasingly worried that babies and young children are being put in unsuitable and potentially harmful experimental situations for entertainment purposes.”

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of the Decade
• 70 facts you didn't know about Marvel
• The 50 Biggest Movies Of 2010