'Ugly Children Ignored'

Tuesday, May 3, 2005

Parents take better care of their children if the youngsters are pretty, according to a new study. Less attractive children appeared to be less well cared for and less well looked after. The findings are based on observations of how young children were treated in supermarkets by their parents. Scientists found kids who were rated more attractive were more likely to be belted into their supermarket trolleys, were allowed to wander further from their parents and were also allowed to play out of the sight of the adults. The difference was more stark between and male and female parents - men did not even strap less attractive children in to their shopping trolley. The study by Canadian scientists concludes parents may favour pretty children because the youngsters have "better" genes which the adults want to ensure are passed on. But critics said linking the behaviour to evolution was "speculative".