Claims of teenage mothers misusing child support grants on alcohol and shopping sprees are largely anecdotal, the Black Sash and the SA Council of Churches (SACC) said on Wednesday.

"The argument that teenage mothers are using the paltry monthly amount of R210 provided by government to buy alcohol and clothing and go on gambling sprees is not only insulting to these young women but also doesn't make economic sense," Black Sash national director Marcella Naidoo said.

The SACC said argument that the young mothers were misusing the money was a "myth and prejudice".

"The real danger of this kind of argument is that it casts more blame on an already vulnerable group of citizens," Keith Vermeulen said.

Both said the social grants were vital in tackling poverty.

Sapa