Cult of celebrity 'perverting' Brit kids' aspirations, expectations

London, Mar 14 : The fixation with celebrity culture among Brit kids has gone to the extent that the youngsters believe that education and hard work are not important in achieving success, according to the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.

In a survey it was found that more than 70 per cent of teachers in primary and secondary schools said the cult of celebrity was perverting children's aspirations and expectations.

About 37 per cent of teachers believe their pupils want to be famous for being famous.

The Association fears that many youngsters do not realise how hard their idols have worked to earn their fame.

The children will grow up to feel a sense of failure, alienation and low self-esteem when celebrity status is not achieved.

"Celebrities can have a positive effect on pupils. They can raise pupils' aspirations. But we are concerned that many pupils believe celebrity status is available to everyone," the Telegraph quoted Dr Mary Bousted, the association general secretary, as saying.

"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," she added.

The survey found that David and Victoria Beckham were the pupils' role models.

The England footballer came top of the rankings with 53 per cent of teachers saying their pupils idolized him while his wife, Victoria, came second.

ANI