The Young Voice

I would like to start an online magazine, ran entirely by teenagers, for teenagers. The ultimate goal would be for this magazine to be printed and physically sold in shops, but that is a long-term one. Recently, as I became more interested in journalism, I searched online for a UK-based magazines for teenagers. I struggled to find any really good publications that wrote about topics that teenagers are actually interested in. The vast majority are written by adults who are out of touch with trends, worries and interests that are widespread among teenagers today. Many are too childish and almost condescendingly written. In recent years, newspaper and magazine readership among teenagers has steadily decreased, going from almost 80% in 2005 to only around 30%. This is because magazines currently targeting teens are outdated and irrelevant. Who better to write about topics young people are interested in than young people themselves? Any writing, editing, photography and graphic design would be done by passionate teenagers. It would be a unique place for young people to connect over journalism written by people like them. Once an initial team had been set up, applications for various positions would be opened regularly to make sure that there are fresh perspectives and ideas entering the magazine. The team would be diverse, from all different backgrounds to ensure the magazine represents everyone. Articles could range from opinion pieces to fashion tips, book reviews to articles on climate change. Anything and everything that young people want to write about. As well as providing an interesting news outlet, this would empower the teenagers who participate in producing the magazine to develop essential skills for a future of higher education and employment. including writing, research, organisation and time management as well as creativity. Profits would go to charities supporting teenagers.