Representation of Teenagers

NEWS STORY 1: ‘UK teenagers complain about impossible GCSE questions
Mail Online have used screenshots of sarcastic twitter posts related to GCSE's as images on this article. Teenagers in this image are represented to the audience as modern because the post on twitter which a teenager would have wrote is sarcastic about the Victorian times. The monkey image used portrays a funny side to the teenagers.

Positive words/phrases: none
Negative words/phrases: stressed out, annoyed youngsters, confounded, bemused, dumbfounded

From these words used in the article it is clear that people have a sympathetic attitude towards teenagers who are studying their GCSE’s. Words such as ‘stressed out’ and ‘confounded’ suggest that the article is trying to make the audience feel sorry for the students and are therefore treating them with respect. The stereotype used here would be that all teenagers are stressed and under pressure and as a result become annoyed and distressed. However, some teenagers cope very well with situations like these. 

NEWS STORY 2: ‘Teenagers are going to school high on DRUGS or on a comedown’

The image used on this particular news story portrays teenagers as vulnerable and drug addicts. It shows a young teenage boy being given pills, which is shocking for the audience because they would be aware of how dangerous drug taking is. This image gives us the impression that many teenagers are involved supplying or taking drugs, making teenagers seem like they are involved in risk-taking behaviours.

Positive words/phrases: ‘must do more to help these teenagers’

Negative words/phrases: ‘two thirds said they didn't care that the substances are illegal’, ‘involved in violence and self-harm’

In this article they have created a bad impression towards teenagers because they have used statistics to show how many teenagers are careless when taking illegal drugs. This creates a stereotype that all teens take drugs. This is unfair for those teenagers that do not involve themselves in illegal behaviours as the audience would believe that it is very common amongst teenagers for them to take drugs. However, towards the end of the article, the writer makes the audience feel sympathy towards these teenagers, as they state that teenagers do not get enough help regarding these issues. The writer may be aiming this statement towards Social Workers because they are the most likely people amongst the audience to help out in these situations. 

NEWS STORY 3: “Russian teenagers committing suicide ‘as part of bizarre social media game called Blue Whale’, Police say.

The image used for this article about teenagers committing suicide gives the impression that teenagers are posers and care about their appearances. It also suggests that teenage girls like to wear a lot of makeup and take selfies.

Positive words/phrases: ‘teenagers were rescued’

Negative words/phrases: ‘may have been manipulated’, ‘influenced into doing it’, ‘two teenage boys were detained’

The attitude towards teenagers here is evidently negative. In the article they have used stereotypes such as teenagers are easily influenced and get themselves into trouble. It creates the impression that a lot of teenagers have ideas of committing suicide or causing harm to their bodies. The article also suggests that teenagers do silly things like play suicide games. the audience that the article is aimed at would be parents of teenagers so that they can be aware that these games do exist and that it is possible that their child is playing them too. It could also be aimed at the Police as they should be looking out for harmful social media games like these and removing them from the public to keep them safe. 

NEWS STORY 4: ‘Why teenagers should NEVER get drunk’

Mail online have used an image of a drunk young girl which connotes irresponsibility amongst teenagers. In the image they have used the prop of the vodka bottle to suggest that teenagers tend to drink high volume alcohol rather than ciders which have a low alcohol content. The girl in the image portrays teenagers as vulnerable in situations like this as she is she is on the floor so her body is clearly not functioning how it should be. The mail online is attempting to create the impression that teenagers like to party and drink with their friends, however it is clear that they can’t handle their drink and are not sensible with how much they drink.

Positive phrases/words: none

Negative phrases/words: 'Adolescents that binge drink have reduced brain tissue'

The stereotype that is evident would be that all teenagers damage their bodies from drinking alcohol or doing drugs. The article would be aimed at parents as they would be very shocked to read about the damage that drinking alcohol has on their children. I believe it is unfair that teenagers are targeted for drinking alcohol when many adults are probably worse than teenagers when it comes to drinking. Also, a lot of teenagers are sensible and do not drink so would not cause harm to their bodies at such a young age. This article creates the view that ALL teenagers get drunk and are not sensible. 

NEWS STORY 5: ‘teenagers blame parents for ‘poisoned legacy’ of Brexit and unaffordable housing, study says’

The image used in this news article clearly portrays teenagers as miserable and argumentative. It is obvious to the audience that it is common for teenagers to have disagreements with their parents, suggesting that they are difficult to get on with and have different opinions. a common conception is that teenagers cause problems with their parents and around the house and it is clearly evident here.

Positive words/phrases: none
Negative words/phrases: 'teenagers blame parents', 'teenagers to be labelled “Generation Angst”', 'they will not be able to afford their own home', 'tomorrow’s adults are alarmed', 'first victims of the “social media explosion”'

By saying that teenagers will not be able to afford their own home it makes teenagers seem not wealthy whereas some of them are. Considering in the title of the article it says 'teenagers blame parents' it creates the impression that all teenagers are rude. This would agree with the stereotype of teenagers being unpolluted people. I believe this is unfair towards teenagers that are polite because the audience would be influenced into thinking that all teenagers are like this.