The research states that in the media, the portrayal of teenage boys is pathetic and is causing social disharmony. The most common phrases used to show us boys is “yobs” (591 times), followed by “thugs” (254 times), “sick” (119 times) and “feral” (96 times).

Ironically, the only time accounted in the last years media of teenage boys being shown in a positive light is when the boy has been killed by some tragic or violent event, e.g. teenagers killed by knifes, guns and so on.

Think about it guys, how many times do you read the sun just to laugh at its patheticness only to find out that not only is it a conservative piece of tabloid gossip but calls us all louts and scum-bags? Since when have we all worn hoodies, everyday all day?

On top of this however, the research also shows that boys are increasingly becoming wary of other boys just because they are in a group or they have their hoods up. Think about it, do you ever walk past a bunch of guys in Belfast thinking keep quiet, I don’t want to be beat up, just because they were wearing a tracksuit, caps or their hoods up and walked something like Clint Eastwood or doing that kind of “hard-man” Belfast walk where their arms flail at their sides like they are banging an imaginary lambeg drum?

As funny as this description sounds, even I have been scared of groups of teenagers. I’m only 18 and yet I walk warily past in the street trying not to make eye contact. Do you know why? Because we are told all day everyday that these people are scary, knife wielding ASBO owning hoodies. Who by? The Media!!!

What do you all think? Have you ever tried not to make eye contact with a group of other guys because you are scared that they might beat you up? Why do you think that? Is it because the media told you these normal other guys messing about like boys do, are thugs?

Challenge assumptions guys! Challenge everything!!!