Girls are more likely to consider family members as role models than boys, research has revealed. The detailed study carried out among 1,000 11 to 18 year olds also found that girls are less influenced by celebrities or public figures than their male counterparts.
The results showed that the average girl’s top five role models featured three family members – including mum, dad and grandmother, in that order.
But the boys who took part in the research hailed David Beckham above their dad, with mom limping into fourth place, one spot behind Andy Murray and one head of Lionel Messi.
The poll was carried out by pub and restaurant chain Fayre & Square to launch its Little Heroes kids campaign.
A spokesman for Fayre & Square said:
”For teenage boys, it seems David Beckham eclipses all family members, even dad.
”Girls on the other hand look up to their parents and even grandparents, more than singers, actors or sporting figures – the only exception being the Duchess of Cambridge who ranked as the highest ‘famous’ female following mom and dad.
”It also seems Andy Murray’s win at Wimbledon has already launched him in to the hearts of the nation’s children – it’s pretty impressive he is in the top five for both girls and boys.
”But it’s also touching that grandparents have made an appearance in the list, that’s fairly indicative of modern times and the important role that they play in bring up children.”
Other role models for the lads included business tycoon Lord Sugar, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Formula One star Lewis Hamilton.
A surprise entry was London mayor Boris Johnson who was just ahead of Prince Harry and ‘granddad’.
Gangnam Style singer Psy who took the nation by storm last year also made an appearance along with Olly Murs, Michael Jackson and TOWIE favorite Joey Essex.
Other role models for girls included the likes of The Duchess of Cambridge, Holly Willoughby, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift.
The spokesperson added:
”Young people often get a bad press but this research shows just how highly they regard their close family – especially teenage girls.
”Role models for kids are so important and with our Little Heroes campaign we are looking for real life role models – youngsters who have shown courage, done something remarkable, or gone above and beyond for someone they know or a stranger.
”We are appealing to parents, grandparents, teachers and child-minders to nominate any special kids that deserve to be recognised.”
BOYS TOP 20 ROLE MODELS
1. David Beckham
2. Dad
3. Andy Murray
4. Mum
5. Lionel Messi
6. Granddad
7. Sir Alan Sugar
8. Steven Gerrard
9. Lewis Hamilton
10. Boris Johnson
11. Prince Harry
12. Grandmother
13. Prince William
14. Class teacher / tutor
15. Psy
16. Jenson Button
17. Banksy
18. Olly Murs
19. Michael Jackson
20. Joey Essex
GIRLS TOP 20 ROLE MODELS
1. Mum
2. Dad
3. Andy Murray
4. Grandmother
5. Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton)
6. Jessica Ennis
7. David Beckham
8. Class teacher / tutor
9. Granddad
10. Miley Cyrus
11. Taylor Swift
12. Holly Willoughby
13. Rihanna
14. Sir Alan Sugar
15. Victoria Pendleton
16. Prince William
17. Harry Styles
18. Beyonce
19. Prince Harry
20. Peter Andre
