Cases of extremely young parents in Britain have repeatedly shocked the public. When 13-year-old Alfie Patten made headlines, then Prime Minister David Cameron said, “I just thought how worrying that in Britain today children are having children.” Alfie was initially believed to be the youngest father in Britain, though it was later proven another boy was the biological parent. The intense media attention had a lasting negative impact on his life.

Tressa Middleton became Britain’s youngest mother after giving birth at age 12. Now 29, she recently announced she is expecting her fourth child, sharing online, “So guys, it’s another girl!!” Her early life was marked by neglect, addiction, and severe trauma. She later revealed her pregnancy resulted from abuse, saying, “sometimes he blackmailed or bribed me to do it.”

After giving birth, Tressa struggled with depression and substance abuse and eventually lost custody of her child. The abuse was later confirmed in court, and the perpetrator was sentenced to prison. Since then, she has worked to rebuild her life while continuing to face long-term challenges.

Britain has also seen other cases, including an 11-year-old girl who gave birth, with a family friend saying, “It has come as a big shock.” Sean Stewart was once thought to be the youngest father after becoming a parent at 11.

Globally, the youngest known mother was Lina Medina, who gave birth at five. These stories highlight serious issues of abuse, child protection, and welfare, reinforcing that all sexual activity with children under 13 is illegal in the UK.