IN RECENT weeks, stories of deteriorating behaviour among young people have become increasingly common, writes Zoe Bevis.

A recent study states that 71 per cent of national press stories about youth are negative, 31 per cent of those are crime reports and only eight per cent of stories about young people carry quotes from the young people themselves.

As with everything the minority are spoiling it for the majority.

Youth groups in Bridport and West Dorset have been concerned by the growing negative attitudes towards the 11- 18 age group.

Despite the community involvement of many young people in our area, they all appear to be tarred with the same brush.

While we know that within every age group in society there are people that cause aggravation and whose behaviour is unacceptable, it always seems that the misdemeanours of the young head straight to the front page.

This isn't necessarily the fault of the press, they are only providing people with what they want to hear.

The older people in society seem to thrive on the imperfections of the youth, usually adding 'it wasn't like this in my day'.

Those young people who set out to ruin the reputation of the majority are an embarrassment we could all do without, but it should be clear that this minority is not representative of all young people. Whereas attitudes and opinions often differ between groups in society the common goal should be creating a bright future for Bridport.

Often the problem lies within perception. The older generation perceive the young people to be a problem therefore they will never appear to be any different. Occasionally no matter how hard we try to promote the positive achievements of the youth in the area it will only take a minor incident to reverse any progress made.

We need more promotion of constructive projects involving young people and opportunities for them to get involved with community ventures.

In a recent letter to the Bridport news, from the Rev Trevor Stubbs 'We should not assume the young are the problem' it is clear that people often look to other groups in society to place the blame and that young people frequently take the criticism.

Perhaps it's the responsibility of those who make a fuss and moan about the increasing 'yob culture' to help young people and to give them a brighter future, young people need direction and guidance from adults within the community.

Bridport is lucky to have many supportive adults who give up time to create opportunities for young people (paid and voluntary) and from personal experience I am grateful to them.

Maybe if others could be persuaded to be more considerate towards young people and support them (as many already do), listen to their views and guide them in their futures, then young people may contribute more to the community.

Some responsibility still lies with the young people. They need to speak about their achievements, however small, and create positive opportunities for themselves.