THE MEDIA- RUINING YOUTHS IMAGE "Power structure, and the dominant discourses through which they are reflected within Australian society, tends to marginalise youth. The media, for example, presents predominantly negative representations of youth or, alternatively, an idealised construction of 'perfect youth'. Each version is equally damaging in contributing to the way Australian youth perceive themselves." "Troubled youths"... "This week 20 children went on a killing rampage"... "Juveniles embark on mindless vandalism, theft and assaults"... "16, 400 crimes committed …showed first 75 words of 711 total…

…showed last 75 words of 711 total…kids developing their skills out side of school hours. Such as sports, music, drama and dance. There are also teens involved in after school clubs such as scouts - with excellent self-developing activities. Their achievements could also be acknowledged in the media. The media needs to work much harder to show young Australians as they really are, regardless of the fact that representing kids as baddies and angels make for better ratings and circulation figures.