Is Britain Dumbing Down ?

Contrary to the opinion of many, Britain is not dumbing down. In fact, the opposite is the truth, standards are rising. Why do people have these distorted views ? Insecurity and envy probably explains why. The younger generation and others studying in Britain today are attaining better qualifications and higher grades. There are good reasons for this: better access to information (we are in the information age); better technology; the removal of bad teachers (well done OFSTED) and increased enthusiasm for learning.

We have almost reached a point whereby an honours degree is the minimum higher level qualification required by employers. It is likely that, in future, a Masters degree or Professional qualification will be the minimum requirement for professionals and these qualifications will distinguish between the best and the average.

I am in the 45-50 age range. The generation before us had less distractions than my generation so more time for studying and reading books. On the other hand, the younger (or next) generation have better access to information but also more distractions to lure them away from studying. My generation was (and is) in the middle; we did not have computers or the internet - the personal computer did not become a common household or workplace item until the mid-late 1990s and the internet only really became useful in the last decade (post 2000). The reality is that each generation has had advantages and disadvantages.

Be proud of the young and accept their and Britain's rising standards. Meet the challenge - it is never too late to improve yourself (subject to financial limitations).