I have been off the site, but Ryan mentioned this site to me, and as a former teacher and youth leader. I thought I would add my input.

It is my opinion that teens need to be in the regular forums, but also have a special forum where they can post about problems that fit their age and peer issues. Their worlds are constantly changing with new pressures and situations that most of us have never experienced.

Ryan wrote:

"You just have to remember that teens have different problems then adults do and with the hormone changes they go through, it makes things difficult. Toss in depression or abuse or ADHD or some other kind of mental illness, being a teen can be very trying. That's why there's such a high rate of teen suicide. I think a safe place for teens to talk about teen issues with someone they feel comfy with would work wonders for the many teens we have here."

I was one of those teens who desperately needed help. I was abused, depressed, panicked and felt so alone in the world. Adults didn't take me seriously or understand and I quit trying to talk to them. I was terrified to tell someone the truth about my home life and if I could have found a site just like this with a teen forum with adults who were patient and cared enough to take time to help me, my life might have had a much different outcome.

Please consider the forum. Our teens need to be in the main forums, but they do need a special place to feel absolutely comfortable to post.

I also think the idea of a teen chat with a moderator is an excellent idea. I can tell everyone that has posted has given this matter great thought and it is a testament to all that we all pitched in with our yays and nays and it's all just fine.

Jan