The BEM Program: An innovative online parenting program for socioeconomically disadvantaged caregiver–child dyads in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To describe the BEM Program, an innovative online parenting program for socioeconomically disadvantaged caregiver–child dyads in Brazil. Methods: The Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist was used to describe the BEM Program in detail. Results: The BEM Program (an acronym for Brincar Ensina Mudar in Portuguese, “Play Teaches Change” in English) refers to the change in adult, child, and dyad outcomes that can be observed through incorporating playful interactions between the caregiver and their child into their daily household chores. Content consisting of 8 videos and 40 text and audio messages was sent entirely online through WhatsApp®. Thus, the Program could be accessed wherever caregivers wanted, if they had their smartphone and Internet access. Conclusions: The detailed description of an innovative online parenting program focused on caregiver–child interaction and child development contributes to the scarce evidence on this type of programs. Adherence to the program continues to represent one of the main challenges to overcome.