Mayfield School Reporters on animal extinction survey

The giant panda is one of the World's most endangered species

Protecting animals that are in danger is not a big priority for young people, according to a recent survey.

Compiled by the aircraft maker Airbus, the survey was unveiled at London Zoo on 16 May, a week ahead of the UN's International Day Of Biodiversity on 22 May.

40 per cent of the 10,000 five to 18-year-olds who participated ranked watching TV or playing computer games higher than saving the environment.

School Reporters from Mayfield School and College in Barking, London, commented on the implication of the survey's results.

Fardus, 16, said: "I do care about animals becoming extinct, as each animal is involved in a circle of life. Without each animal the world would lose its function."

He added: "We are the future generation and we need to live on the resources that animals give us."

Sophie, 16, said: "Animals are basically like us. They've got to live. They've got to eat. And it's important to look after them as well as they look after us."

She believed one reason for young children's lack of awareness was their attachment to computer games and other gadgets.

BIODIVERSITY DAY Annual date: 22 May Aim: To raise public and political awareness of the significance of ecosystems and biodiversity for human well-being

Naila ,16, said: "No matter how big or small they are, animals play a really important part for the earth."

She added: "If all the animals are extinct, the future generation of children won't have anything left, and it will be the adults' fault because they're not thinking about the children's future."

"You can't blame young people for not caring", she said, "Because the generation that are already here are teaching us not to care by hurting animals and hunting them and causing environmental damage."

Some of the students' comments were used in the BBC World News for Children bulletin which is broadcast Monday to Friday on the World Class website and available between 1300 and 1700 GMT on the Newsround website. It can be downloaded for free and accompanying scripts are also available.