Highlights Releases Annual State of the Kid Survey

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- There are strong differences in what boys and girls hope to be when they grow up, according to the Highlights State of the Kid readers' opinion poll. The popular children's magazine, Highlights, released the results of its annual State of the Kid reader opinion poll at an event in Washington today.

The survey showed that when asked about their career aspirations, boys wanted to be athletes, scientists, engineers and video game designers, while girls aspire to be vets, teachers, models, actresses and singers.

The State of the Kid survey is aimed at giving today's kids, ages 5 and up, a national platform to share their thoughts on their interests, concerns and experiences growing up in 2010.

Over the last seven decades, Highlights has received and responded to more than 2 million

letters from kids. The publication's editors have learned a lot about how kids view the world. This year, the popular magazine looked a little deeper in to what kids said in the 2009 survey.

"The State of the Kid survey is part of Highlights' commitment to helping children to grow into confident, creative, curious, and caring individuals," said Christine French Clark, Highlights editor-in-chief. "Knowing kids' perspectives is essential in finding the best ways to serve them. We are excited to share this glimpse into our readers' lives."

In the survey, children shared their thoughts and feelings about themselves and their families, as well as their hopes for the future. Other results include:

• When asked what they like best about themselves, girls named a physical feature, whereas boys named their intelligence.

• Kids report an average allowance of $3 to $5 a week, down sharply from a decade ago. They also report that they overwhelmingly must do chores in exchange for this allowance.

• Nearly one third of kids think they will personally travel to space in their lifetime. They also expect to see some other new inventions, including flying cars and helper robots.

Highlights presented the 2010 results at a breakfast event to local and national public officials, education leaders, child advocates, parents and kids at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

The surveys were mailed out to subscribers in the July 2010 edition. Highlights received more than 500 completed reader surveys. The full survey results can be viewed online at www.stateofthekid.com.

About Highlights

Devoted to "Fun with a Purpose," Highlights for Children, Inc. has helped children become their best selves for generations. Highlights magazine and its sister publication for younger children, Highlights High Five, are the most recognizable and widely-read children's magazines in the nation. Fun with a Purpose is a trademark of Highlights for Children, Inc.

SOURCE Highlights Magazine