Posh and Becks set a bad example for children, say teachers

Pupils who dream of becoming pop stars and footballers are neglecting their studies and emulating the worst excesses of their idols' language, behaviour and raunchy clothing, they claim.

A survey of more than 300 teachers found that Posh and Becks are the celebrities most widely admired by schoolchildren, although more than 20 others were also named as role models.

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These include socialite Paris Hilton, "famous for being famous", and Russell Brand, who confessed to a sex addiction.

Sports stars include Frank Lampard, Lewis Hamilton, Dame Kelly Holmes and Andy Murray.

The Sugababes, Leona Lewis, Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud and Lily Allen were among those named as pupils' favourite pop stars.

But teachers warn that celebrity adulation is hampering their efforts to convince children they must try to do well at school.

The findings were released as members of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers prepare to gather in Torquay next week for their annual conference.

Delegates will debate a motion condemning a "cult of celebrity" for "perverting children's aspirations and expectations".

It will call on the Government to take action to promote positive role models of ordinary people across the media.

Members who responded to the survey warn that a growing celebrity culture is contributing to underage drinking and anti-social behaviour, because some teen idols are foul-mouthed and yobbish.

They also say provocative behaviour by scantily-clad celebrities is increasingly robbing young girls of their innocence.

One teacher, Julie Gilligan, from a primary school in Salford, said: "I have seen and celebrity footballer/pop star language and behaviour in the playground and in school - including disturbingly age-inappropriate 'acts' by young girls in school talent shows." Scroll down for more...

Another, from a primary school in Oxfordshire, said: "Colleagues and I have discussed worries about girls in particular trying to dress in an unsuitable (i.e. provocative) way on 'home clothes' days."

A teacher from a junior school in Bath reported that the sole ambition of one of his pupils was to be a footballer's partner, or WAG.

Elizabeth Farrar, from a primary school near Scunthorpe, said: "Too many of the pupils believe that academic success is unnecessary, because they will be able to access fame and fortune quite easily through a reality TV show."

Seventy per cent of those surveyed said celebrity culture is affecting their pupils' aspirations, although 73 per cent felt this could have a positive as well as a negative impact.

ATL general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: "Celebrities can have a positive effect on pupils. They can raise pupils' aspirations and ambitions for the future.

"However, we are deeply 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.

"Celebrity culture can perpetuate the notion that celebrity status is the greatest achievement and reinforces the belief that other career options are not valuable."