Nursery World - Celebs leave children unimpressed

The idea that young children see celebrities as male role models is a myth, according to new research.

A survey of 178 men in nurseries and primary schools indicates that children aged eight or below are more likely to be influenced by people who are their own age, who share the same experiences and who live close by, such as friends and family, rather than by male celebrities.

The majority of respondents, who took part in the survey to investigate if they saw themselves as role models for children, felt that both teachers and a child’s parents set more of an example for young children than sports stars, such as Wayne Rooney.

Dr Simon Brownhill, senior lecturer at the University of Derby who led the study, The 'brave' man in the early years (0-8): the ambiguities of being a role model, explains that young children are developmentally unable to grasp the concept of what a role model is until they are older.

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