Personally, I have a big problem with how the media regularly stereotype young people in a negative way.
It seems to me that the media are continually forcing a bad reputation on us by emphasising the bad aspects and ignoring the good.
One way in which the media has left a negative stamp on young people is by depicting hoodie-wearing kids as suspicious and hostile.
When adults see a young person wearing a hoodie they automatically think of the stereotypical images such as “thug” or “trouble makers” that the media has put on those who wear them.
Do people not realize that most people wear hoodies because they’re comfortable. It’s not a statement like ‘I’m hard’ or whatever - it’s just fashion!
Another negative picture that has evolved from recent media attention is the increase in teenagers binge drinking. People have got to realise “increase” does not mean that all youth are going out and getting drunk.
The media adds to the suspicious outlook on teenagers by constantly highlighting these negative statistics while never mentioning the other larger percentage that never binge drink.
All young people should not have to take responsibility for those that are reckless and disruptive. It is unfair that negative stereotypes are forced on youth as a whole.
The young people who give us a good name are often extremely overshadowed by the negative behavior of others.
The media always loves a story of renegade youth running amuck and don’t give enough attention to young achievers who deserve recognition.
In my eyes constantly giving young people a bad name is only a way of silencing our voice and therefore it could be a major factor in denying young people a voice in politics and issues that will affect their future.
About the team
This story was written by Emma Arbuckle and edited by Rebecca Burns. It was published by Reach for the Sky website.
