Are you interested in one week's work placement in The Irish Times? Transition Year students can learn first-hand about the workings of this newspaper if their submission is published in Media Scope's weekly Over to You column. Just send us a 200-word piece on a media-related topic.
Emma O'Connell, Rathdown School, Glenageary, Co Dublin
Are looks everything? In our society they are becoming increasingly important. Everyone has at least one hang-up about their appearance, whether they think that they are too fat, too tall, too short or too skinny.
Most people want to be like the latest model or pop star, and some turn to cosmetic surgery to get bigger breasts, a smaller tummy or the "right" nose. More and more people are relying on this form of self-improvement. Teenagers as young as 15 are getting breast implants. This does not only seem immoral because "you should be happy with what you are given"; it is also dangerous. Teenagers may not have finished developing - we don't yet know the long-term effects of breast surgery on young people.
Cosmetic surgeons are continuing to do more difficult and advanced operations. In one case in Britain a 16year-old girl had an operation to lengthen her legs.
People are using surgery as a safety net for any and every problem. In 10 years' time, will a new pair of breasts or a perfect nose be top of every teenager's Christmas list?
Matthew Black, Franciscan College, Gormanstown, Co Meath
For the teenagers of nowadays, music plays a big part in their lives - bands such as Coldplay and JJ72 and popular solo acts such as David Gray and Mel C. However, loyal fans may never see their idol-artists, and soon frequent album-buying will become a thing of the past!
In July, chart-topper Robbie Williams will play host to thousands of Irish fans at Dublin's Landsdowne Road but, unfortunately, a substantial number of his fans will be unable to attend this event due to the £42.50 price tag - that's what is required for a ticket.
I think prices such as these for concerts are outrageous, considering the target consumers. These are teenagers who don't have jobs and who are well used to the phrase: "Money doesn't grow on trees."
The music industry's rising cost has also affected other areas. You can now expect to pay a hefty £17 for your favourite compilation of tunes, so don't be surprised if your compact-disc collection suffers from a permanent stunt in growth!
So what can we do about this? Not a lot - either get a job and slave for CDs or buy a good radio and hope the station likes your style of music. Either way we lose, as it seems nowadays that money is more important than the art of music.
Write to media scope by posting your comments to Newspaper in the Classroom, The Irish Times, 1116 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 , or faxing them to (01) 679 2789. Be sure to include your name, address and school, plus phone numbers for home and school. Or you can use the Internet and e-mail us at mediapage@irishtimes.ie
media scope is a weekly media studies page for use in schools.
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media scope is edited by Harry Browne.
