Over the last seven decades, Highlights has received and responded to more than 2 million letters from kids. They’ve formalized some of that feedback in the Highlights State of the Kid survey, whose 2011 edition shares kids’ views on bullying, their parents and gender roles. Results prompt discussions, including:
What are we talking about when we discuss “bullying?”
- Sixty-one percent of children feel they have been bullied. But kids, especially younger kids, tend to define bullying as “being mean.”
- The survey showed an interesting difference in the way kids ages 2-8 and 9-12 define bullying.
Are we raising fearful kids?
- When asked what their parents worry about most, kids respond that parents worry about their safety. They specifically named being kidnapped, murdered or hurt. Their comments add interesting dimension to the national discussion on free range vs. helicopter parenting.
- Given the state of the national economy, the study indicates that kids know their parents are worried about money.
WHO:
Highlights magazine is the most widely read general-interest children’s magazine in the U.S. While adults often remember the magazine from the dentist’s office, it reaches the homes of more than 2 million children each month.
WHEN AND WHERE:
Thursday, September 22, 1 p.m. EST
National Press Club, First Amendment Lounge
529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045
VISUALS:
On-site interviews available with Highlights Editor Christine Cully; Resourceful Mommy blogger Amy Lupold Bair. Graphics from State of the Kid report available at Highlights.com/Newsroom after September 22nd.
For additional information about Highlights for Children, Inc., please contact Hillary Bates, Communications Specialist, at (614) 487-2640 or hillary.bates@highlights.com