Is Childhood Disappearing?

Question 1

Sociologists

Answer 1

Postman
Cambridge University Primary Review
Cunningham
Halifax Pocket Money Survey
Silva
Palmer
BBC News School Report
Margo

Question 2

Postman

Answer 2

Distinction between children + adults disappearing - merging of taste, work behaviour, language, attitudes
Globalised media (internet and TV)
Children exposed to same issues, themes, and experiences, no longer shielded from adult knowledge (sex, porn, crime etc.)

Question 3

Cambridge University Primary Review

Answer 3

Primary school age children expressed concern about adult-related themes (climate change, gulf between rich and poor, terrorism, crime)
BBC News School Report Survey of 11-16 found they were most concerned about terrorism and climate change

Question 4

Cunningham

Answer 4

Parental authority undermined by children having money from parents (pocket money) or part time work

Question 5

Halifax Pocket Money Survey

Answer 5

Average child (8-15) recieved pocket money around £6.35 weekly
Average spending (7-15) was £12.50 weekly, over £4bn each year
Margo - access to advertising, makes children consumers

Question 6

Silva

Answer 6

Role of parents diminishing in favour of importance of peers, teachers, other influences (film, TV, games)
Many children have own rooms + TVs, computers, phones - parents unable to control or manage information children exposed to

Question 7

Palmer

Answer 7

Parents use modern technology and junk food to keep children occupied
Combined with busy + stressed life of parents, deprives children of a ‘proper’ childhood and ‘proper’ food
‘Toxic childhood syndrome’ - new generation with socio + behavioural problems

Question 8

BBC News School Report

Answer 8

Nearly 90% of 11-16 helped adult in their family go online, over half helped with finding websites + emailing
Internet gave young people access to wider range of knowledge + imagery, parents have little awareness
Young people develop separate culture - parental involvement more difficult, barrier

Question 9

Margo

Answer 9

Average age of sexual intercourse fell from 20 for men and 21 for women (1950s), to 16 for both by 1990s
Sexualisation of childhood - advertising and retailers encourage children to dress + act in sexual manner
Sex tips for teenagers + health and beauty for young girls - evidence children are exposed to adult concerns at younger ages