Thaindian News

London, Sept 16 (ANI): Soccer idol David Beckham and singer Cheryl Cole are the best role models for children, say parents in a new UK survey.

The study conducted by The Children’s Society showed that almost two-thirds of adults believe school-age children do not have anyone to look up to today.

Nearly 55 per cent of the adults questioned said that Becks sets best example for children, compared to 18 pct who thought the contrary.

The second spot went to singer Cheryl Cole, with 40 per cent rating her positively, compared to 27 per cent who saw her as a bad role model after her conviction in 2003 nightclub assault case.

However, popular cartoon character Homer Simpson was voted the worst role model.

When it comes to the world of politics David Cameron is seen the best role model. A fifth saw Gordon Brown as a positive role model, while 16 per cent said the same about Nick Clegg.

Of the 2000 adults surveyed one in seven said children today looked up to their fathers.

About 32 per cent said they used to consider their mother a role model, and 30 per cent believe that children today also look up to their mothers for inspiration.

Just five per cent of adults said they think children look up to their grandparents.

“This poll reflects our concerns that many children are living without positive role models,” the Telegraph quoted Rashid Iqbal, director of The Children’s Society’s National Mentoring Initiative, as saying.

“If children are not looking up to adults this is not the children’s fault.

“Both parents and society at large have a responsibility to enact a change of heart in our society and actually live by the values that they espouse and be strong and positive role models, providing continuity and support to a child or young person’s life.

“At the moment this seems more aspiration than reality. Adults have a collective responsibility to make childhood better for all children,” Iqbal added. (ANI)