Jesus Tops Youth Superhero Poll

LONDON - Young people in the UK identify Jesus as the figure who most represents what it means to be a "superhero", eclipsing Florence Nightingale and David Beckham.

The London Daily Telegraph reports on survey results that suggest the country's youth are more interested in tackling poverty and climate control than getting extra pocket money, living without rules or having their football team win.

Asked what makes a superhero, 92% say he or she would "stop bad things happening", 91% say a superhero "is generally a good guy", and 90% say they would "tell the truth".

The findings come from a poll of 2000 8-14 year olds, of whom 52% were girls, by 4Children, a children's charity.

More than six in 10 of those polled said being rich was a good thing, but eight in 10 chose "being me" and 74% said "the internet".

Villains were described as those who "tell lies" (88%), "only look after themselves" (87%), "let you down" (85%), are "generally bad guys" (85%), "kill people" (85%) and "cannot be trusted" (82%).

Only 42% said that villains took drugs. The charity found that 90% of young people wanted an end to hunger as their "change for an ideal world", while only 25% saw having no restrictions or rules as the path to a better life.
Anne Longfield, the chief executive of 4Children, said: "With the mass popularity of cause-related wristbands, and campaigns against war and poverty, children and young people are leading the way in social conscience.