School children name David Beckham their top role model

When you were a kid who did you look up to and admire? Chances are they were slightly more inspiring than the current crop of celebrities that British children claim are their top role models. A new poll conducted by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) found that a whopping 53% of sprogs want to be David Beckham. With his footballing prowess, hoards of lusty female fans and impressive bank balance – Mr. Beckham is one of the more understandable and logical choices found on the list. Unlike other names…

David's Spice Girl wife Victoria was inexplicably voted the second choice with 30% of the vote. Yes, she too enjoys a life of celebrity luxury and was once a hard-working pop star – but a role model for young minds? Still, it could be worse – Paris Hilton made it to number six on the list.

Elsewhere, sporting stars such as Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Formula One rookie Lewis Hamilton proved popular as are actors such as David Tennant and Keira Knightley, with music being represented by the Sugababes, Leona Lewis and Nadine Coyle.

Being in double digits, the idea that these celebrities are worthy role models has me scratching my head in confusion (not cos I have nits – urgh!), however the general secretary of the ATL, Dr. Mary Bousted, is far less surprised.

"It reflects the current media obsession with celebrity and the effect of celebrity culture on society as a whole," she explained. "However, we are deeply concerned many pupils' believe celebrity status is available to everyone. They do not understand the hard work it takes to achieve such status and do not think it is important to be actively engaged in school work as education is not needed for a celebrity status.

Published 5/17/08 by

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