On video: Teenagers 'take the floor'

So far, 2008 hasn't been a happy year for teenagers, at least according to the media.

A spate of violent attacks has kept young people in the headlines. In London alone, at least 22 teenagers have been murdered since the beginning of the year, in many cases by people their own age.

Many adults find teenagers intimidating. Shopkeepers, for example, are now installing mosquito alarms, also known as "youth deterrent" or "sonic weapons" to disperse groups.

Young people are also the prime targets in the government's campaign to cut down on binge drinking.

These are only three examples of the stories about teenagers in the media. But is this reality for the majority of young people? Or is the media guilty of painting all teenagers in the UK with the same brush?

We decided to give three young people the opportunity to share their frustrations and put their questions to BBC News website readers.

You can also participate by sending us your own video replies. Find out how to do it at the bottom of the story.

HANNAH, 16, SHEFFIELD

Hannah criticises the media for focusing on knife crime and gang activity.

She thinks they should highlight teenagers who lead positive lives, like young musicians, charity workers and volunteers.

She also thinks the media is always saying exams are too easy and doesn't talk about the achivements of the students who take them. Do you agree with her?

ADAM, 17, GREAT YARMOUTH

Adam will start A-levels in Politics, Philosophy and Law next autumn.

He thinks "there are lots of layers to teenage society". His question to BBC News website readers is:"Why do you feel that all teenagers are the same?"

MAX, 16, LUTON

Max is hoping to join the Army and become a vehicle mechanic.

"Because I'm young, people in town think that I go round knifing or beating people up" he says.

He also thinks the media could put more background into their stories about youth crime and not just say "young people were killed or they killed someone just because they're young".

To send your video:

• You can upload them here (Maximum file size: 50MB)
• Send it to yourpics@bbc.co.uk
• MMS from the UK: 61124
• International MMS: +44 7725 100100
• 3G: 07888 100 100
• Webcams: Click here to send us your video message

Any doubts on how to film your video? Here is some advice from BBC Blast