New research reveals children in spectacles are no longer the target of classroom cruelty, despite parents' misconceptions

New research[1] from Boots Opticians, released today, has revealed that when it comes to classroom bullying, wearing glasses is the least of children's worries. Almost three quarters (74%) of primary school children confidently claim they have no fear when it comes to wearing glasses in front of their classmates, and thanks to trendsetting celebrity spectacle wearers, 62% of children actually think wearing glasses looks cool.

The biggest concerns about wearing glasses were voiced by parents, with over a third (39%) admitting they worry that children are judged negatively for needing to wear glasses. But parents can put those fears to rest because nowadays children are far more concerned that they have the right technology (33%) and are wearing the right clothes (47%) in front of their peers.
When parents recalled their own perceptions of bullying, wearing glasses was one of the top three reasons to be victimised (41%), as well as being overweight and wearing the wrong clothes. However, being called names such as ‛four eyes' and ‛speccy' are much further down the list these days as children are more worried about their parents embarrassing them (58%), or being told off in front of classmates (59%), than they are about needing to wear spectacles.

The research also revealed that wearing glasses has no basis on how popular children are. Less than one in ten children (7%) say they would not be friends with another child because they wore glasses.
Carolyn Zweig, Boots Opticians optometrist comments;
"It is reassuring to know that children can enjoy wearing glasses without worrying about it will effect their popularity. Boots Opticians have a fantastic selection of funky and affordable children's eyewear for all ages.

"Children's eyesight is developing as they grow, and it is important to attend regular check ups. The research revealed that over a third of parents (35%) do not take their child for an eye test often enough, however children should be having their eyes tested at least once every two years - remember eye tests for children are free on the NHS."

[1] Research conducted by Redshift, August 2009