2007_06_10_archive

GLOBAL WARMING SCAREMONGERING BEARS FRUIT

The ABC reports on a study by the Australian Childhood Foundation:

New research shows that Australian children are becoming more

anxious about themselves and the future of the planet.

The report also showed that more than a third of children were

anxious about terrorism, were worried that one day they will have

to fight in a war, and one in four believed the world will end

before they reached adulthood.

The head of the foundation, Dr Joe Tucci, says this insecurity

could have consequences for society.

"We're already starting to see an increase in mental health

problems, we're starting to see an increase in anxiety problems, I

think it's not out of the question that we'll see problems with

alcohol and drug addiction increase as well," he said.

In reporting on the study the ABC has significantly shifted emphasis.

Here's how the report's press release actually starts off (emphasis in

original):

New study shows children fear environmental disaster

A report released today by the Australian Childhood Foundation, in

the lead up to their annual fundraiser Childhood Hero Day Thursday

14 June, has revealed that Australian children are deeply concerned

about the state of the environment and the impact of climate

change.

The report, `Children's fears, hopes and heroes - Modern Childhood

in Australia', surveyed 600 10-14 year-olds across Australia and

revealed that:

o 52% are scared that there will not be enough water in the future

o 44% of children are worried about the impact of climate change

o 43% of children are worried about the pollution in the air and

water

Dr Joe Tucci, CEO of the Australian Childhood Foundation, said

"Children's sense of their place in the world is under threat.

Children are nervous about global problems and the implications for

the future they are faced with.

"It is often said that children and young people live in the here

and now with little regard for the future. These findings clearly

challenge this popular notion."

The report also revealed that more than a third of children were

anxious about terrorism, were worried about having to fight in a

war and one in four believed the world will end before they reach

adulthood.

Scare them young and you've sacred them for ever.

Update: commenters find clowns frightening. Well, here's a scary