Representing issues: Teenagers

Representation is extremely important within the media as it influences most people’s perceptions of other people, which may not always be positive when it should be. Teenagers usually have assumptions attached to them due to their age such as the idea of rebellion and irresponsibility.

An example of this is the portrayal of teenagers within the media, is within the tv show ‘Skins’ Airing in 2007, the show demonstrates complex issues such as mental health and substance abuse. The show was praised for its raw authentic portrayal of teenage life and the harsh realities that teenagers can face, depicting their struggles rather than falling into the stereotypes created in other media such as the cliché troublemaker or goody two shoes. However, the show received criticism for depiction of drugs, portraying it in a casual matter which can be problematic and may result in younger viewers glamorising the show, rather than acknowledging the flawed characters and the consequences of their actions. Despite this, the show is extremely exaggerated and dramatized for entertainment.

Another example of teenage representation in the media is a show similar to Skins called ‘Euphoria’ Euphoria has the same main focus on teenage drama such as relationships and mental health, however the show has faced a lot of backlash for its portrayal of substance abuse as critics and viewers felt the show was too intense and unrealistic even though on the other hand as a tv show, it was not specifically meant for a perfect representation

of real life, but still creates stereotypes and assumptions about modern day teenagers being uncontrollable which is not representative of all teenagers.

However, in recent years, the media has become much more accepting of teens as individuals who have their own opinions and perspectives due to the rise of social media, with many influencers gradually becoming more open about issues and are therefore more relatable and challenging stereotypes created by the media, promoting individuality rather than seeking to be or act like tv show characters for the sole purpose to feel relatability as a teenager.