Film is not an easy area due to the high level of US material. We can note the popularity of films such as American Pie , but like the earlier Porkies films they depict teens as sex-obsessed, which is a rather limited portrayal. Some US material is more sensitive and sympathetic in discussing teen angst. For example John Hughes, director of Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Breakfast Club offers quite sensitive portrayals of youth coping with relationships, authority and identity. More localised representations of youth in films such as The Commitments and Trainspotting tend to provide a more earthy analysis of youth issues.
TV has a selection of youth representations but TV also has low viewing figures for the teen market.
There is interesting TV-based research by Buckingham on definitions of masculinity among young males. This points to the constant negotiation of the meaning of masculinity which emphasises the struggle to refine this notion against what are perceived as feminine characteristics. Acceptance of male stereotypes is rejected in this research. For an older age group Hollyoaks and a teen-driven Neighbours are meant focus on relationships and issues that have a youth appeal. Programmes such as Top of the Pops reflect youth music but have a wider audience.