Teesside pioneers the study of youth

What does it mean to be young in the new millennium? Are some young people becoming excluded from mainstream society? Is drug use now normal for young people? Helen Ripley has explored these and many other issues at the University of Teesside, as part of her BSc (Hons) degree in Youth Studies. Helen is part of the first cohort of students to graduate from the degree today, which combines several subjects, including criminology, psychology and sociology.

Helen, 29, from Middlesbrough, is now working as a Trainee Personal Adviser (Careers) for the Connexions service in Redcar. Connexions Tees Valley is a new service that provides support, advice and guidance to all young people aged 13 to 19 in the Tees Valley. Helen said: “My degree has helped as I am aware of some of the problems faced by young people in the transition from school into work or training. Also, I took a module in mentoring while I was at the University which gave me valuable experience of working directly with young people one-to-one.”

Helen came to the University after working in insurance for seven years. She said: “I decided to go to University when my son Joe was about to start school, as I wanted a new career, ideally with young people. I was originally going to study Sociology but saw a local newspaper article about the new Youth Studies degree. So I went for a chat with Tracy Shildrick, one of the course leaders, and applied, it seemed the ideal choice.”

Helen’s final-year dissertation examined the history of popular music, including a study of controversial US rap artist Eminem, whose recent film debut Eight Miles topped America’s film charts. Helen said: “I looked at all aspects of Eminem’s music; his lyrics, the subjects he raps about, how he is portrayed in the media and the influence of his music on young people. I wanted to find out why he is so popular, is it just because of his music or does the whole 'bad boy' image and negative press increase his popularity with young people?

“I’d like to thank my parents Maureen and Eric Butterfield, for all their support. I also had support from my sister Karen, another Teesside graduate and of course my son Joe who had to put up with me studying long hours!”

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