The impact of environmental education on children’s knowledge and awareness of environmental concerns

Abstract

Asserts that the consumer power of children is growing in importance, as they represent a primary market that purchases its own products and services; an influential market that directs parental expenditures; and a future market. Aims to investigate and understand children’s knowledge and awareness of environmental issues, and their selection and use of information about environmentally friendly products through primary school education. Firstly, an understanding of environmental education as a primary source of information was gained through a questionnaire survey mailed to schoolteachers in the South‐West of England. Secondly, questionnaires were distributed to equal numbers of boys and girls aged 7‐11 years at three case schools in the South‐West of England. The sample was asked open‐ended questions about their knowledge of several fundamental environment concerns: the ozone layer; river pollution; recycling; and how they think the environment can be protected. The exploratory study confirms that levels of environmental understanding amongst children are high and provides a full break‐ down of the results.