They are always in trouble with the law and don't care about anyone or anything. These stereotypes often cause people to perceive teens as useless to society. I don't fit into either of these categories. I'm neither perfect nor a hellraiser. Most teens aren't either.
Ratings are usually the answer.
There is only one show I have ever seen that scripted a character who fit the personalities of people I know. Even though it was critically acclaimed and had many faithful viewers, it was canceled. I guess people don't want to see what they don't understand. We are nothing like the teen-agers of other generations. People need to realize that the perfect teen doesn't exist.