Young NCB goes Viral 

A group of young people from leading children’s charity the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) have condemned the shocking behaviour of recent rioters and urges the media to help combat the often exaggerated image of teenagers as either violent criminals or passive victims and represent young people more fairly through these turbulent times.

An advisory group of young people from Young NCB, the National Children’s Bureau’s young people’s network, have worked with the BBC to create a provocative film highlighting how young people are often misjudged in the public eye.

17 year old Hamza Modi from Southend - who took part in creating the film - was appalled by the riots, looting and unlawful behaviour that took place across the country last week. He said: ‘I’m one of the majority of young people that did not participate in the violence across the country. We condemn the behaviour of the tiny minority and ask you to not to generalise.

‘We are all individuals and the majority of us respect each other, communities, business and the police. Together, we stand united and we will fight for the fair representation of young people who make positive contributions to society.’

Barbara Hearn, deputy chief executive at NCB said: ‘Our thoughts are with the all of the victims of the terrible crimes that took place last week, including many young people who have been shaken by the ordeal. At times like these it’s easy to make generalisations but it is imperative that we remember most children and young people want to be part of the solutions we now need to find. We need to make sure that they are part of the diaologue and planning for a positive future. As adults we need to work with them not against them.

‘Our young members have made a video with the BBC to challenge the assumptions and generalisations so many of adults make. We hope that the film will go viral so they can really spread their message about challenging negative representations and get everyone out there to start thinking about the assumptions we make all too easily.’

The young NCB members are using the film to call on MPs, local councilors and residents to help challenge the negative perception of young people where they live and bring their local young people closer to the heart of the community they live in.

The film can be viewed at http://youtu.be/JkYmuDhIOZc