The Anglican Bishop of Shrewsbury has called on Christians to fight what he calls "generational envy" and to offer support and encouragement to young people.

In a pastoral letter published in December parish magazines across the Diocese of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Dr Alan Smith said that news headlines gave the impression that "our young people are in meltdown and everything is hopeless". He said, however, that reality was very different from the media image.

"When I visit local schools or listen to our young people I find that many of them are hugely positive, motivated and wanting to make the world a better place," he said. "They are particularly passionate about the environment."

He added: "I also recognise that there are different pressures on young people today. They may have more money, freedom and choice than I had when growing up in rural Wiltshire, but they are growing up in a society which often values you only by your income, the car you drive, your job or your looks. They are battered by advertisements which send out powerful messages about what matters in life and what is acceptable."

He urged Christians to support, rather than criticise young people, saying: "As we approach Christmas, let's think of ways we can support our children and young people rather than criticise them. Do we make time to listen to them and encourage them? What messages are we giving in our choice of presents?"