This page contains comments from participants of Teen Think Tanks™.  Other teens have sent us their thoughts on school violence.  Their input is at Teen Voices.

Chris T, Age 17, Male, Senior
I've really enjoyed working on this topic of school violence without having to argue my side in order to get a word in. Much time was definitely saved in the process and the group actually stayed on task, which is really difficult to do in a regular meeting.

Julie T., Age 15, Female, Sophomore
All we need is a chance to have our ideas heard, so please don't take one look at this and throw it in the trash.  Now that we teens have voiced our thoughts, we want them heard.

Matt T, Age 14, Male, Freshman
I am sure that "school violence" will be solved soon because of such programs as this. The results were superior to what could have been completed in an argumentative manner among peers.

Crystal V, Age 16, Female, Junior
I'm not the type of person that speaks frequently in class. In fact, I basically only speak when I'm spoken to. By using EMS, I was able to get my opinions heard.

Daniel P, Age 17, Male, Senior
The EMS was very helpful because the ideas brought out in the meeting were anonymous, so even the loudest and most outgoing person was at the same level as the quietest because each person could type out their ideas with anonymity insured.

Adam S, Age 15, Male, Sophomore
If this system could be implemented into society, it would be a very effective way to hold meetings such as board meetings, city council meetings, etc.  I liked the feeling that I was going to make a difference in societies dealing with school violence.  I hope that our comments can be effectively used throughout society for the better.

Catherine P, Age 17, Female, Senior
To ask "kids" for probable, reasonable solutions is a way to integrate the people most directly affected with society's attempts at a solution(s).

Justin S, Age 15, Male, Sophomore
One thing that really boosted my experience was the feeling that we were actually contributing to a national concern.  It would be a shame to disregard all of the ideas that were expressed in the Teen Think Tank.

Danny G, Age 17, Male, Senior
It's great that that the people involved with organizing this Think Tank were willing to put in the effort that they did. Not only was it helpful to the students who participated, but hopefully it will be beneficial to society at large.

Mark S, Age 15, Male, Sophomore
I am a very opinionated person, and naturally, I think my views on things are correct.  I found this process ideally suited for dealing with people that are so stubborn.

Erin R., Age 15, Female, Sophomore
Dealing with violence is a very important and pressing issue in today's society. The Teen Think Tank is a wonderful program and was very helpful in our search for an answer for violence. Because the EMS system uses computers to conduct meetings instead of more conventional procedures, everybody has an equally important voice, and vast quantities of ideas can be processed quickly.

Sunday V, Age 16, Female, Junior
This process is also immensely beneficial because it allows many options to be explored simultaneously. In turn, one person's idea can trigger a useful solution.  People can truly expand on ideas, and develop them to the fullest potential.

Adam S, Age 17, Male, Senior
It surprised me though when I participated in this project and realized how many people can work together in this method without there being so many clashes between personalities and ideas.  This process deserves more credit than I originally gave it.

Anonymous Teenagers
Have a national Teen Think Tank.  The POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!

I think this was a really good experience, because I got to open up about stuff that I thought really mattered , but never really get the chance to say.

It is working greater than you probably expected, keep it up!

This helps students understand how their peers feel about their everyday life at school.

I think they should do this on some other things like teen pregnancy or how teens can cope with their problems.

It's a good program, and more teenagers around the world should try it, and adults should listen, and take action.

JUST TO KEEP GOING TO ALL THESE DIFFERNT SCHOOLS AND TALKING TO THEM AND IT MAY DECREASE THE VIOLENCE

This is a good idea. You should have this in middle school too. Ii think thats where you either become a student or a slacker.

I will tell my friends that think tank was a very good thing that they are doing. A lot of people say authority figures are always worried about bills and things like that so I'm grateful that they take the time to think about us and our well being.