According to a survey of members of the UK's Association of Teachers and Lecturers, a third of England's teachers have pupils who consider Paris Hilton to be a role model. Two thirds said they teach children who aspire to be pop stars or professional athletes. Many teachers said they have charges who hope to be famous for nothing at all, and one reported a female student who said she would be content with her life if she could marry a professional "footballer."

Elizabeth Farrar, who teaches in a primary school, said: "Too many of the pupils believe that academic success is unnecessary, because they will be able to access fame and fortune quite easily through a reality TV show." And why wouldn't they when even our "journalists" have no problem with the untamed growth of celebrity culture as long as it's "giving the viewers what they want"? Great point, that one. You know what else people want? Handguns everywhere, no speed limits and crack, all of which are as safe as little girls looking up to Paris Hilton. Do what you like, though. I'll be in my room, avoiding the kids these days.

Addendum: My unyielding confusion to the first person to get illogical and flippant and say, "Fancy hearing this from YOU on a GOSSIP BLOG!!!!"