Just over half of U.S. teens say their parents are their role models. That’s according to a poll conducted by Junior Achievement Worldwide and Deloitte. The telephone survey asked 750 12 to 17-year-olds to choose one role model. Friends were chosen by 13 percent of the teens, while teachers or coaches finished third, with six percent of the votes. Stephanie Bell, director of marketing and media relations at Junior Achievement Worldwide, said it’s critical for children to see their parents as role models. “Your kids are always watching what you’re doing and saying,” she said, “so it becomes more incumbent upon parents to model appropriate behavior.”
