I'm 16, 6ft tall and male. These facts seem to mean that adults, middle aged and above, often avoid me and appear to fear me.

And I'm sure this is the same for many other teenagers in our wonderful borough.

This, I believe, is due to the negative portrayal us children get.

We are subject to bad press all the time. But most of these adults forget what it's like to be a kid.

We just want to have a laugh and enjoy our childhood, not mug random people as the stereotype suggests.

Yes, some teenagers are rowdy, some are violent. But these teenagers are definitely a minority.

Most of us are kind, thoughtful, young men and women who just want to mind our own business!

I understand that one can never be too careful, and walking towards a gang of tall youths is not high on anyone's agenda. However, I can assure you that a concerned, frightened look from someone does not make our day any better either.

I for one am actually a nice person, which means that I do not want to harm anyone or be a nuisance to anyone.

As well as this, I am well aware that there are certain people that help achieve us such a bad reputation. This is something which I do not condone.

The sort of behaviour that is focused on in the media includes gang fighting, arson and generally disruptive deeds. However, these crimes are something which I have never done and I'm positive most teenagers have never done.

I recognise that I might seem to be moaning a lot, but this is what teenagers do best. Also, I'm passionate about this topic and the silent majority need a voice, otherwise our youthful beliefs will die as we reach adulthood.

I think we can all do our bit to live in harmony and not making teens scapegoats is a good start, but us kids need to make an effort too.

By Lewis Chandler, age 16, from Bromley