For immediate release
22 August 2006
Julie Morgan, MP for Cardiff North, is backing Young People Now magazine's Positive Images campaign, which is lobbying for more balance coverage of young people in the media, by signing an Early Day Motion supporting the campaign.
A cross-party group of 85 MPs has signed the Early Day Motion, which welcomes the improvement in media coverage of young people shown since the campaign was launched in 2004. Research carried out by Young People Now and MORI found that:
-- 57% of press articles about young people are negative, compared to 71% in 2004
-- Young people are quoted in 13% of stories about them, compared to 8% in 2004
-- Three in ten press stories now provide a 'neutral' view of young people, up from 15% in 2004
The Early Day Motion also congratulates the winners of Young People Now's second Positive Images Awards, which aim to recognise young people, councils and media that work towards promoting a positive image of young people.
Steve Barrett, editor of Young People Now, said: "We are delighted that so many MPs have given their support to this campaign. The media needs to take responsibility and give young people a voice. That's why our Positive Images Awards recognise media outlets that portray young people positively, and young people, youth groups and local councils that proactively seek positive media coverage."
Julie Morgan MP said: "I am pleased to support Young People Now's campaign. I feel that it is vital that we portray our children and young people in a positive light.
"We frequently read stories about, for instance, anti-social behaviour, but the truth is that it is only a minority of our young people who cause problems. In fact, children under 16 are the group most likely to be victims of anti-social crime.
"Here in Cardiff North, I have worked with young people concerned about all kinds of policy, from the domestic to the international. I have met young people who are energetic and enthusiastic and who are involved in their communities. It is vital that we present our young people in a balanced way and that includes the positives."
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