Attitudes of primary school children towards environmental responsibility

Abstract

This study explores the environmental attitudes of a sample of Primary school children towards everyday environmental issues shortlisted for questioning by means of a literature search and informal interviews. The study also explores the level of environmental responsibility of the children as reflected in their common day-to-day decisions by presenting them with statements and asking them whether or not they agree with the statements. The findings present a mixed picture. The children's answers show that they appear to have the knowledge but they do not always apply it. The study offers recommendations for the development of environmental education programmes aimed at promoting an effective attitudes/values based approach in tomorrow's citizens.