Representation of Young People in the Media and TV Dramas

One of many perceptions the media has about young people.

What's the issue?
Every young person has had the experience—a shop attendant eying you suspiciously or a bus driver refusing to give you concession rates despite the presence of your student card, concession card and every piece of evidence you could possibly need. Every young person has been the victim of unfair judgement by others. Many claim this is the fault, at least partly, of the media and the way it portrays young people. Arguably, media focus on youth drug addiction, vandalism, unprotected sex, as well as many other ‘negative’ issues, has led some people to view young people in terms of stereotypes and gross generalisations. So what does this mean in terms of TV Drama?

Some misconceptions about young people - that are portrayed in TV dramas.

A scene from 'Waterloo Road', showing young people to
be angry and violent.

• Young people take drugs.
• Young people steal.
• Young people are rude and inarticulate.
• Young people don’t contribute to the community.
• Young people are lazy.

Examples of negative media spin

Media coverage of the 2004 student protests against rising HECS fees focussed purely on the few individuals who damaged property or became violent. Lost was the fact that most young people staged a peaceful protest. Also, in most articles, the issue of rising fees was forgotten or only briefly mentioned. This negative focus is clear in the Sydney Morning Herald article Capsicum spray used as students storm Chancellery in fees protest


How can media stereotypes be challenged?

Stereotypes about young people can be challenged by:





Another scene from 'Waterloo Road' which shows Young
people being portrayed positively.


• Young people increasing their participation in the media—get involved in your local community radio station or paper, write letters to the editor, email feedback to TV shows, call in to talk back radio etc
• reducing the amount of attention given to negative, controversial issues concerning young people and increasing the focus given to the achievement of young people and their positive contribution to the community.