[MarkWaldorf]

Almost two-thirds of adults believe school-age children do not have appropriate role models in their lives, according to research by The Children's Society.

David Beckham was rated as setting the best example for children – more than half (55 per cent) of those questioned said he was a good, or very good, role model, compared to 18 per cent who said he sets a bad example.

Cheryl Cole came second, with 40 per cent rating her positively, compared to 27 per cent who said she was a bad role model. The singer was convicted in 2003 of assaulting a nightclub worker and was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid community service.

Cartoon character Homer Simpson was voted the worst role model.

The poll, commissioned by The Children’s Society, questioned over 2,000 adults of whom only one in seven said children today looked up to their fathers.

Some 32 per cent of adults said they used to consider their mother a role model, 30 per cent believe that children today now see their mother in the same way.

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

The poll also reveals that when it comes to politicians, David Cameron is seen as setting the best example, with a third rating him as a positive role model.

A fifth saw Gordon Brown as a positive role model, while 16 per cent said the same about Nick Clegg.

Rashid Iqbal, director of The Children's Society's National Mentoring Initiative, said: "This poll reflects our concerns that many children are living without positive role models.

"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."

- Daily Telegraph

Thoughts?

[MassiveTruck]

Holy Crap!!

Who have they been asking?

[*mazedsalv**]

I agree, it seems right.

Both lovely genuine people considering how famous they are, never have let fame get to their heads.

[Novo]

Everyone Loves Becks

The perfect role model his attitude, His desire, his ability, his motives, his determination,

[Ninastar]

*Jumps out of flying aeroplane*

[Vicky.]

Beckham I can agree with, ish...but having kids look up to someone like cheryl is not good...

[Harry!]

Cheryl Cole certanly isnt. Only liked because she looks pretty.

[King Gizzard]

Becks is a brilliant model agree with the things andy said

but cheryl cole...nononono

[MassiveTruck]

I think Beckham epitomises materialistic behaviour.

These days, all the role models we really need for kids aren't even in the public eye.

You can't rely on politicians, the movie/music/entertainment industry is plastic and fabricated.

I think Ben Fogle is a good role model. Anybody into charity and spreading your horizons without modelling in your underpants are having an extreme obeisance to high fashion.

[bansheewails]

A footballer and a wag as roll models! Great nobody wants to be a fireman any more when they grow up!