Identifying and Challenging the Negative Media Representation of Children and Young People in Northern Ireland

There has been considerable recent controversy about negative representations of children and young people in the media in Northern Ireland, and its significance for policies that impact on their movements, right to public space and play and leisure opportunities. Concern has been expressed by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, the European Commissioner for Human Rights and those working closely with children and young people in communities in Northern Ireland. There are particular concerns in the Northern Ireland context where today's children and young people represent the first generation following the Ceasefires and Peace Agreements. The legacy of conflict and the continued presence of paramilitaries is a particular concern for young people who are negatively labelled, and thus the target of their attention. The Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner and the Junior Minister's responsible for children in Northern Ireland have recognised these specific circumstances.

While guidelines exist in both the broadcast and print media for sensitive and responsible reporting of events involving children and young people, there is now considerable evidence of serious breaches of these guidelines, and of children's rights, in the context of Northern Ireland. Through an examination of existing research, alongside content analysis of media coverage over an eight month period, this project aims to understand more fully the negative representations of children and young people. It will involve working with child and youth sector NGOs, and with children and young people themselves, to establish their understanding of the impact of such representation, and to inform resources to raise awareness of the issues, inform young people of their rights regarding media engagement and representation, and encourage change in media practice.

Key objectives include:
- The delivery of interactive workshops with diverse groups of children and young people in which they explore media representation and learn about their rights with regards to media engagement and representation
- Setting up and running two Advisory Groups to direct and inform the project and play a key role in the design of resources (one comprised of young people; one comprised of adults working with and for children and young people)
- The production of a range of resources to: encourage responsible media representation; challenge negative views of children and young people; inform children and young people of their rights; provide information and advice for those working with children and young people
- Sharing skills and knowledge between partner organisations including research skills, lobbying skills and skills in working and engaging with children and young people

The project will be of benefit to children and young people involved in workshops and the Advocacy Group through developing their understanding of their rights and enhancing their capacity to advocate for these to be realised and upheld. Community and voluntary sector organisations will benefit from the production of free, user appropriate resources to inform their lobbying and their practice with young people. The project also aims to influence policy regarding challenging negative representations of children and young people, and media practice. In this respect it should benefit children and young people at a wider level.

The major beneficiaries of the project will be children and young people, and NGOs in the child and youth sector in Northern Ireland. Children and young people will benefit directly through involvement in participatory workshops that aim to raise awareness, enhance personal and social development and increase their understanding of their rights. An additional group of children (involved in an Advisory Group) will benefit further through capacity building that will develop their communication and design skills, and increase their capacity to advocate on their own behalf. Indirectly, the aim is that in raising awareness of negative representations, and through lobbying for change, that the project will have a wider impact on how children and young people are viewed publicly and how they are represented in the media. Given the detrimental impact of negative perceptions on young people, the project has the potential to impact positively on the well-being of young people.

Those NGOs involved in the Advisory Group will benefit directly as this Group provides a forum for knowledge exchange and networking among stakeholders, providing the potential for partnership working and lobbying. At a wider level, the child and youth community and voluntary sector will benefit from the resources produced as a result of the project. A Background Paper will provide evidence that will inform their lobbying, and a dedicated resource will support practitioners in advising young people with regards to media engagement (thus informing practice).

The lead NGO partner organisation (Include Youth) will be a direct beneficiary of the project with regards to knowledge and skills development that will benefit the organisation beyond the project's duration. This includes the development of research skills (e.g. content analysis; the systematic collection and analysis of information), and in setting systems in place to monitor, record and measure impact.

The project will also provide information and evidence that will be of benefit to the Northern Ireland Commission for Children and Young People as they advocate for policy implementation and reform within the media. Further, since the UNCRC's Concluding Observations stating the need for states parties to challenge negative representations of young people, including in the media, the NI Assembly's Office of the First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) has identified 'countering negative portrayal and perceptions of young people' as a priority. This project aims to develop and inform that priority.