12 years ago Headliners did some research, which showed how young people were demonised in newspapers and by society. We did some follow up research about the perceptions of 'Kids These Days', looking at how the media represented young people in 2009. In short, we found young people are now demonised and criminalised at an even earlier age. What were "naughty children” or “little devils” are now “yobs” and increasingly being excluded from primary school for behaviour that would have been dealt with by less harsh disciplinary measures 12 years ago.
How the Research Happened
Young journalists at Headliners designed and distributed surveys to a wide range of young people and adults, including media professionals. They also conducted in depth interviews with newspaper editors from a range of publications, including The Derry Journal and East London Advertiser. Young People also analyzed media coverage. For example, this is the feedback from Marie-Therese, Seana, Jessie after analyzing BBC 6 o'clock new 2 consecutive nights:
Generally children and young people are ‘used’ in footage to sensationalise or for the sympathy vote. Only one positive story over the two nights about young people. At the very end of a broadcast they spoke to a young athlete very briefly about training for the Olympics.
What next?
The research findings have recently been pooled together, and a report is being presented in early 2010. The next step is developing ideas for a campaign to make journalists and editors and their governing bodies more accountable for the ways they portray young people in the press.
If you'd like more information about Headliner's project on youth representations in the press, or to get involved, please contact enquiries@headliners.org
You can find out more about how journalists can promote children's human rights and equality by downloading this practical guide, from the Children's Rights Alliance for England.
