Careers and Courses Webzine

newsletter

email
name
	Text HTML

News and Views

Free bus travel...

With bus travel in London having been made free for under-16s last year, the Mayor is extending this to all under-18s in full time education from September 2006. This aims to improve young peoples’ mobility and encourage them to use public transport. It seems like a good idea, in theory pollution from car emissions should be reduced and so will congestion.

For most young people it’s a welcome and overdue measure, many feel they should be entitled to free use of public transport for accessing educational institutions. But will it encourage you to use buses more? Will the potential danger of assault and theft dissuade you?

Well, the signs are good – a recent survey showed that as a result of the introduction of free bus travel for under-16s, 40% of 14-15 year olds said they now use buses frequently as opposed to being driven by car. Nearly half of the students questioned said they used the bus more to and from school, reducing traffic caused by the school-run.

What’s your opinion – do you think this will tempt you onto the buses, saving money and helping the environment? How often do you use the bus at present and are you satisfied with the service and reliability?

Cereals

Cereal companies have been targeted in the media recently, over the high levels of fat and sugar in their advertised "healthy” products. Although as a nation we’ve become more aware of this problem, cereals continue to be a favoured breakfast meal, largely due to the fact they boast countless vitamin content and ‘keep hunger locked up ‘till lunch.’

According to the British Nutrition Foundation they contribute 31% of daily energy intakes on average. And it’s the big name brands accused of disguising their unhealthy ingredients that consumers continue buying from. The Which? Survey highlighted the fact that 88% of cereals targeted at children were found to be very high in sugar. 28 of the most popular cereals had more salt content than a standard sized packet of Walkers crisps. What’s worrying about this is that, despite increased consciousness of health risks from poor diet, and childhood obesity, figures for sugar and fat content of the cereals examined have barely improved from the last survey conducted in 2004.

It can be argued that every food product under the sun is classified as having health risks nowadays but surely now that there are comprehensive guides of the most and least healthy cereals it is worth shopping around for a better alternative? Although taste may be slightly compromised, surely it's better to avoid future health problems? Is it the manufacturer’s responsibility to publicise dangers or should we try to research before we buy?

Are you motivated to change your cereal in response to the survey? Visit https://www.which.co.uk/files/application/pdf/Cerealreoffenders-445-89537.pdf to see the survey results in depth.

Stop Search Safety

With the seemingly escalating cases of stabbings in or near school premises, shocking and saddening the country, is it time more substantial security checks were enforced? Since the murder of Kiyan Prince, 15, outside his school in Edgware, Education Secretary Alan Johnson has proposes changes to legislation going through parliament which will allow schools to have airport style security and teachers to search any pupils suspected of carrying a blade. Teachers would have to attend courses on frisking. Obviously these precautions are aimed at creating a safer environment for school kids which, in light of recent events, will probably override fears of turning schools into fortresses. Will you be supportive of these changes? How safe do you feel your school is at the moment and do you think this is the solution?

Let us know your views on these and anything else you feel strongly about by email to info@getsmaart.com