ParentText will be an interactive messaging tool for parents. This means that parents can receive messages relevant to their parenting concerns directly on their phones. Dozens of videos and hundreds of audio messages will be made available to parents over age 18. ParenText is being adapted for use in Jamaica from an evidence-based model developed by the Oxford University-based Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Jamaica is one of the first 4 countries worldwide to pilot ParentText and is being facilitated by the NPSC.

As soon as the ParentText messages and technical requirements are in place, Jamaican mothers and fathers will be able to access these important messages, voice notes, and videos that will provide them with evidence-informed parenting tips, activities, and referrals to local services, tailored to their needs and their child’s developmental stage.