Cult of celebrity 'is harming children'

The cult of celebrity is producing a generation that believes education and hard work are not important in achieving success, claims the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.

A survey 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.

They fear 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. Dr Mary Bousted, the association general secretary, said: "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.

"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."

David and Victoria Beckham are the celebrities most pupils model themselves on, the survey finds.

The England footballer came top of the rankings with 53 per cent of teachers saying their pupils idolised him while his wife, Victoria, came second. Overall, sports stars are the most popular type of celebrity with pop singers, such as the Sugababes and Leona Lewis, ranking a close second, according to 60 per cent of teachers questioned.

Teachers say they are concerned about the type of career aspirations many of these idols may give their pupils.

Elizabeth Farrar, from a primary school near Scunthorpe, said too many pupils believed academic success was not necessary, because they could become rich and famous through a reality TV show.

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