Programme 3 - Key issues
Under-age drinking
See the entry for programme 2
Drugs
There are hints in the programme that Sophia is using cocaine, however a drugs test while she was at school proved to be negative. Cocaine is a class A drug and it is therefore illegal to supply or possess it.
Teenage finance
Pocket money is mostly spent on sweets, crisps, mobile phones and going out. Most children are given pocket money by their parents but some have to earn their money by doing household chores. A survey conducted by the Financial Services Authority, published in March 2004, found that all of the young people interviewed liked spending money and having nice belongings. Clothing and other visible items that contribute to image and socialising were the main areas of spending. (Young People and Financial Matters.)
Sir Howard Davies, former head of the Financial Services Authority said in July 2001: "There is a thirst for knowledge about money and business among young people which can be harnessed. A recent Mori survey of teenagers revealed that when asked what they needed to learn more about in schools, handling personal finances came top of the list, even ahead of sex. Some might think that a depressing commentary on young people in the new Millennium."
Stowe School
Stowe is a co-educational independent boarding school in Berkshire. The main building is an historic house set in landscaped gardens and a park. The students are called 'Stoics'. The ideal is to turn out self-confident, caring people, who have the information and the ethical framework required to make good calls on difficult decisions. Their website claims that the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, courteous and tolerant. Girls may join for the sixth form.
Henley Regatta
Henley Regatta was first held in 1839 and is held annually. Originally staged by the Mayor and people of Henley as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements, the emphasis rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became its main purpose. Every year Henley is visited by many crews from abroad and last year 110 crews were from overseas including Australia, Canada, USA, Germany, Poland, Croatia, Ukraine, Denmark and South Africa. There is a very vibrant social scene around the Henley Regatta and it is one of 'the' places to spend a few days for those who, like Sophia, want to meet new people and make social connections.
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson
She was born into a well-connected family and brought up on a large family estate near Basingstoke in Hampshire. Her father was once a skiing instructor to Prince Charles. She went to a public school, called Sherborne in Dorset where she gained ten O'levels and three A'levels. She was photographed kissing Prince Charles and she became famous overnight. The magazine Tatler christened her the 'It Girl'. She soon became dependent on drugs. Today, however, she is clean of drugs and has toned down her wild child image.
