Listen Live
Choice 96.9 / 107.1 fm
99% campaign launches
A new campaign aiming to combat negative images of young Londoners and instead celebrate the contribution they make to the capital launched earlier this month in London.
The campaign originated in a workshop held for young people by the London Serious Youth Violence Board (LSYVB) in December, in which young people from across the capital voiced concerns over their portrayal in the media.
These concerns are valid, according to a recent London-wide survey commissioned into attitudes towards young people, which found that nearly half of Londoners feel unsafe when teenagers are present on the streets.
The survey found that one of the main reasons for this was that the public grossly overestimates the numbers of young people involved in serious youth violence (SYV).
More than a quarter of people surveyed thought that more than 30 per cent of young people were involved in SYV – the reality is less than 1 per cent.
The survey also suggests that one of the causes for the poor perception of young people is their portrayal in the media. Some 70 per cent of Londoners believe the media portrays teenagers negatively, and under a fifth thought their portrayal is balanced.
With this in mind, the 99 per cent campaign seeks to balance negative images and show young Londoners in a positive light.
The campaign’s website - www.99percent.org.uk - carries video profiles of young Londoners who have succeeded through adversity, young people who could easily have chosen to take a negative path but decided not to.
The website also provides young people with information about events and opportunities in their local area and across London where they can get involved, learn, develop new skills or volunteer their time.
Whitney Iles, one of the 99 per cent campaign ambassadors, said:
"Young people throughout history have been pro-active in the fight for positive social, political and economic change, the present day is no different. I'm backing the 99 per cent campaign because it is essential we focus our energy on supporting those who wish to make the best of their future because in doing so we build a strong foundation for the generations to come."
A new campaign aiming to combat negative images of young Londoners and instead celebrate the contribution they make to the capital has launched today.
The 99 per cent campaign is named after the fact that less than 1 per cent of young people are involved in committing serious youth violence – despite the impression many Londoners have according to a recent survey (see below).
Instead of demonising young people, the campaign aims to show ordinary Londoners that the overwhelming majority of young people are making a positive contribution to their local community.
Anti-knife crime campaigner Brooke Kinsella said:
“We should never lose sight of the fact that most young people are hard working and law abiding – the 99 per cent should be celebrated across the capital. I hope this campaign will help encourage even more young people across London to make a positive contribution in their local community.”
VIP Club
Search
Copyright © 2010 Choice FM. Choice FM is part of Global Radio Ltd
Your use of the Choice FM website is subject to our T&Cs and site Privacy Statement.