TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For law enforcement, politicians, and community leaders, today was all about listening to the youth.
A panel of teenagers got the chance to address powerful adults in Leon County today for the Wake Up Call Forum.
This forum is coming at the end of a week that saw teenagers go to jail for charges like murder and rape.
It's a big topic, but most conversations about how to do it have been held by adults only.
Now it's the teenagers chance to be heard.
Leon County Sheriff's Office gathered a panel of teens to talk.
They brought up issues like gun violence, mental health, and bullying; all while law enforcement, politicians, and community leaders just listened.
"A lot of teens would like our voices heard. This was a great opportunity to get our voices heard," said Tyree Bond a teen panelist.
The conversation offered new perspectives for the people at the hands of community safety and engagement.
"If we as adults understood that they don't feel like they're being listened to, we can go a long way building relationships," said Marcus Nicolas an adult panelist
Despite the day starting off on a serious note-- the topic ended much more lightheartedly.
LCSO says that they will start to listen to the youth and do more to work with them to prevent violence.
