A Tough Life

Friday 19 October 07

A new report from Primary Review concludes with primary shcool children and their parents are suffering from "deep anxiety" about modern life. According to the report the pressure of Sats test dominate the last two primary years.

What should be the best time of ones life with play, fun and without any concerns is now turning in to a life of anxiety and unease.

The researcers have had 87 discussions with groups of children, teachers and others, which all together included 750 people. The results are alarming, Primary Review director ProfessorRobin Alexander told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that young children faces a range of pressures like stress of government tests, life outside school, road safety, physical dangers, the sense young children have to grow up too soon, consumerism, individualism and materialism, climate change, global warming, the gulf between rich and poor and terrorism.

The government is saying that most children live in better conditions that 10 years ago and reject criticism of testing accordning to BBC.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said: "We are committed to improving the lives of children and young people right across the country and we are making substantial progress. The vast majority of children go to better schools, enjoy better health, live in better housing and in more affluent households than they did 10 years ago. The government does not share the view that children are over-tested. Tests help parents and teachers monitor the progress of children and ensure they get he help they need".Click here for more information about the report.

Do you think the pressure of Sats test are ruining childhood? Are there issues that you feel young children today have to deal with which are making their life more difficult than necessary? WIMPS Forum