Populist discourses and public representations of ‘young offenders’

Here, we analyse the diverse forums through which public representations of ‘young offenders’ are shaped, structured and disseminated in Australia and in England and Wales. We are especially interested to explore the different forms that public representations of ‘young offenders’ can take and, moreover, to examine the varied effects of such representations (including policy responses) at particular spatial and temporal junctures. By reviewing specific ‘case studies’, we identify a range of varied, conflicting and contradictory effects – ‘regressive’, ‘neutral’ and ‘progressive’ – that challenge unidimensional conceptions of public representations and their impacts. Further, by recognising the rapid proliferation, increasing diversity and extended reach of social media platforms, we conclude the chapter by discussing the ways in which such developments are shaping populist discourses and public representations of ‘young offenders’ in ways previously unknown.