Young people labelled 'yobs' and 'hoodies' have a new friend in RUDI VIS, MP for Finchley and Golders Green.

Recent comments like those of Barnet and Camden's London Assembly member in reference to free bus travel for under 16s gives the rest of the world the impression that London's teenagers should be locked up and the key thrown away.

I am deeply concerned by the media's use of stereotypes such as 'yob' and 'hoodie', tarring all young people with the same brush.

Free travel for young Londoners is benefiting thousands of families throughout the capital and gives teenagers the chance to experience everything this city has to offer, no matter where they live.

It is also a privilege that will, and has been, withdrawn permanently from the small minority of youngsters who cause trouble on or around the bus network. Figures show that alleged incidents of crime dropped between the 2005-6 financial year and 2006-7 by nearly 1,500 - even though there were 64 million more journeys made in the same period.

The vast majority of young people travelling on buses are well-behaved. Crime is committed by only a small minority.

This is why I signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of Commons which states: "This House...acknowledges that only a small minority of young people behave in an antisocial manner; believes the media does not give young people enough recognition for the positive things they do; and urges members to ensure young people's views are represented in public debate by creating opportunities for their input, such as holding surgeries and visiting schools, colleges and universities"

The motion, which marks the first birthday of a YouthNet and British Youth Council campaign called Respect?, applauds the work of the two charities who undertook a survey in July 2006 showing that 80 per cent of young people believe the way they are portrayed leads to older people respecting them less.

One year on, both charities are appealing to young people to write to their MPs to sign the EDM. It commits parliamentarians to incorporate young people's views in public debate and to challenge the negative representation of them.

By signing this EDM I have tried to show my support for young people in challenging the degree to which they feel misrepresented and support a change in our culture so that young people are valued not vilified. The vast majority of young people are intelligent, sensible, helpful and friendly. Yet many feel that they are tarred with the same brush as those who commit crimes and act in an anti-social way.