TEENS IDENTIFY ADULTS' PERCEPTIONS OF YOUTH AS TOP ISSUE
Boys & Girls Club Members Launch National Service Project for 2007
ATLANTA, March 21, 07 – Young people from around the nation have chosen adults’
perception of teens as their top issue and as their national service project for
2007. The new project was recently announced as more than 1,200 teens gathered
at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 40th Annual National Keystone Conference in
Minneapolis.
At the Keystone Conference sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation, teens released
a report entitled: “Young America Speaks.” The report focused on three areas:
education, adults’ perception of teens, and relationships. From those three
areas, the teens chose adults’ perceptions of teens as their key concern.
“We’ve proudly supported Boys & Girls Club teens for more than 10 years and have
watched them do some incredible things to benefit their communities,” said Sally
George, Taco Bell Foundation manager. “This national project is the perfect
opportunity for Club members to spotlight the great work they’re already doing
and help others see more positive examples of teens.”
The teens will return to their hometowns and implement the project as best suits
each of their local communities.
By the numbers: (Source: BGCA’s Youth Report to America, 2006 – survey of
more than 146,000 teens nationwide, independently tabulated)
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More than one-third (36%) of
respondents believe that to improve their relationships, adults should
listen more.
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Close to half of teens surveyed
(48%) said that parents significantly influence their decisions.
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One-fourth (27%) said adults
should be more open-minded.
Adults’ Perception of Teens
Negative stereotypes of teens in the media can present an inaccurate portrait of
America’s youth. Broadcasts highlighting teen violence have caused communities
to enact restrictive curfew laws, loitering ordinances and increased penalties
for youth who commit these acts. Laws are sometimes enacted without
consideration for the rights of youth, leaving them feeling powerless and
disconnected.
Many of these actions have been taken despite the fact that violent criminal
activity among youth has actually decreased over the past 10 years. These
stereotypes are causing great distress among young Americans.
”Teens want a more realistic portrayal of youth in the media,” said Roxanne
Spillett, president, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “They want adults to
acknowledge the positive contributions of teens in their communities and a
greater voice in those communities.”
To address this, the “Young America Speaks” report recommends:
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Help teens become more aware of
their civic rights and responsibilities and engage them in government.
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Improve the images of teens in
the media – showcase the good.
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Create forums to help teens
increase confidence and build self-esteem.
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