Findings from the Young People Now Positive Images campaigns:
• 1 in 3 articles about young people concern crime
• 71% of press stories are negative, but only 8% quote young peoples’ views
• Young people are referred to repeatedly as thugs and yobs
• Other commonly used words: evil, lout, monsters, brutes, scum,
yobbo, menace, heartless, sick, menacing, inhuman
• 66% of young people would not trust a journalist – can’t think why not….
I am resourceful and creative
I have many ways to go.
I am resilient and inventive
I’m hungry, working towards my goals.
I am reliable and punctual
I can persevere.
For I am on a learning journey
I will take it – and face up to all your fears.
So just give me tolerance and respect.
Give me half a chance and I can.
I am resolute and headstrong
I have a world to lead
I’m taking risks and handling changes
I can give care, and take care of all my needs.
I know my levels of achievement
I know my warts and all
I have the skills to be that leader
And you will need me to scrape you up off the floor.
So just give me tolerance and respect.
Give me half a chance and I can.
Rolling on, I’m gonna keep rolling on.
Demonised and pressurised and held to blame
Totally at fault for what the media claims are
Society’s ills – but that’s a lame excuse:
Who guides the young? Who make the rules?
Who sets the tone? Who runs the home?
Just give me tolerance and respect.
Give me half a chance and I can.
