Some young people feel they are sometimes unfairly stereotyped in the media. Esther Oyewole talked to EDP editor Nigel Pickover about the issue.

Q) The media has a huge impact on its audience's perspective on certain issues; do you think that the outburst of negatively stereotyping young people could partly be because of this?

A) There is a danger that young people can be portrayed in a bad light because of media coverage. In the EDP we do all that we can to portray young people in a good light. We don't want to make young people seem worse than they are.

Q) I recently read an article saying that negative stereotyping young people has now made it harder for them to find jobs. Do you think that having this supplement in the paper could help young people with this?

A) Yes, it's very unfair and biased if some media outlets portray young people in a bad light because some of the best works, some of the greatest initiatives, come from our young people therefore we must report on it.

Q) There have been cases in the media where young people have been involved in crime but it seems like these events have shaped what people think of young people. So what's your take on this generalisation and do you think that the media is somewhat to blame for this?

A) You cannot hide away from basic facts. There was a case where some young people had been involved in a murder. It was a horrific story and it is right that people are told that this went on. However, it shouldn't be that stories like this become a dominating force because it's occasional and we need to strike a balance between the good work that young people do and the very occasional difficulties that they get involved in.

Q) Hoodies are often a reason for negative stereotyping. Do you think it is fair that a piece of clothing can define who you are?

A) I don't think it's fair, some people's clothing described as frightening might be other people's fashion statement. Our fashion coverage may often feature very edgy material that some people may find offensive others might find an absolute delight. I think it would be silly to stereotype in this area.

Q) Many young people believe that the media is the main cause of negative stereotyping, but do you also thing that it can be the solution?

A) Very much so and this is why we have got projects underway now.

What do you think about how young people are represented in the media? Email ben.dunne@norfolk.gov.uk