The government of the United Kingdom (UK) is holding a competition that asks UK young people to express their feelings about the way they are portrayed by the media. The Hansard Society and the House of Lords have opened the competition for 11- to 16-year-olds to enter through youth groups, schools, and other official organisations.

Young people are asked to look at issues such as media portrayal of youth culture, negative press coverage, and the importance of celebrity and sporting role models. Students can choose how they respond to this issue; possibilities include an essay on the subject, a newspaper-style article, a presentation, short film, audio clip, or an interview with a local politicians and classmates.


The winners of the best submissions will be invited to the House of Lords to discuss their work with the Communications Committee (see the Prizes section for more information).

Click here for more information.


Click here to read the rules.
Click here to access lessons plans designed to help teachers support their students in developing their submissions.

Young People's Media Network listserv on March 9 2009.