YOUNG people get a lot of stick for their supposed behaviour in our streets and schools.

They are also criticised for spending too much time sitting in front of computer screens either chatting or playing games when they could be learning about what is going on in the real world rather than the virtual world.

But such generalisations are unfair precisely because they are impressions not based on any in-depth factual study.

Just look, for example, at more than 200 pupils from schools across East Lancashire who have been working with Youth Action for the past six months on the Creative Minds project. The youngsters have been looking at all kinds of issues including community cohesion, friendship and the role of soldiers in peace-keeping missions across the world.

They have turned their thoughts into poems, short stories or lyrics and the best were rewarded in an awards ceremony at Blackburn Town Hall.

The idea of the project is a simple one but it is important to get today's youngsters talking and thinking about such matters because discussion breaks down barriers. Without, suspicion and fear breed.

Technology is no substitute for talking to each other face to face.