The media, drugs, peer pressure and sweltering economic growth in Bermuda are some of the barriers affecting the young and old alike, in the 21st century, it is emerging.

Those factors were discussed at last night's second, in a three part documentary series called 'Between the Cracks', at Number Six shed.

It focused on the social divide between the youth and seniors.

Following the 30 minute presentation, organised by the Family Centre, Age Concern and the Bermuda Broadcasting Company (BBC), a public forum was held.

More than 100 people, old and young, attended. A BBC production team spent last summer capturing the heart-wrenching tales, which organisers describe as "unprecedented".

The film portrays the positive social conditions the Island once thrived upon, before the modern dilemmas, such as illicit drug use, rising crime rates and gang violence, emerged from within the new generation.

During the forum, one woman, who only identified herself as a teacher, spoke with frustration while highlighting her perception that the media's portrayal of the youth is too negative.

Targeting The Royal Gazette, she said: "What about the positive things some of our young people are doing that's worthy and posting their pictures on the front page of the paper and their success stories?

"We as a community must say 'enough is enough' — there is strength in numbers — if we stop buying the newspaper for a day, do you know what will happen?

"(We have to) put our foot down and say 'we are not reading this garbage' because if you want to read bad news then you can read it on the Internet — but let's give the young people the recognition that they deserve."

The first event of the 'Between the Cracks' series was hosted by Age Concern last month at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. Last night's event was hosted by the Family Centre.

The final event will take place on April 17 at Charities House on Point Finger Road, Paget. It will consist of the final screening of the documentary and see a forum between the young and the old.

For further information call 238-7525 or 232-1116.