Perception of Environmental Problems Among Pre-school Children in Poland

This study's objective was to examine attitudes toward the environment, and to determine the level of environmental knowledge among pre-school children and their parents. This study covered 686 parents and 674 six-year-olds from 30 pre-schools from the Malopolskie, Mazowieckie and Warminsko-Mazurskie Provinces. The questionnaire used in the children's survey was made up of 10 pairs of drawings; that for the adults' survey consisted of 27 questions. The results indicated that the six-year-olds were familiar with basic notions and could identify improper behaviour with regard to the environment; in the case of more detailed environmental issues, their knowledge and practical application of environmental protection principles were worse. Pre-school children's attitudes to the environment depended on their place of residence (town/village). Generally, parents showed favourable environmental attitudes, but were not always willing to change their habits or make sacrifices for environmental conservation. Their attitudes depended on gender and education level. The results of this study will be used in another project to design educational programmes for this group.