Since 1993, VOX ATL has provided a platform for teenagers in Atlanta to share their voices and experiences. Founded by Rachel Alterman Wallack, the organization emerged in response to the 1988 Supreme Court decision in Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, which allowed schools to censor student publications. VOX ATL offered a space where teens could speak freely, independent of school restrictions, and has grown into a hub for teen media and civic engagement.
VOX ATL, which takes its name from the Latin word for “voice,” prepares teens for life, career, and community, providing Georgia teens with a platform to be heard. One of VOX ATL’s signature initiatives is the annual Teen Survey, first launched 11 years ago. The survey was created to capture teens’ perspectives on issues ranging from mental health and digital safety to after-school activities and media habits.
Focused initially on metro Atlanta, the Teen Survey has since evolved into a statewide initiative that invites all Georgia youth ages 11–20 — from middle school through college age — to share their experiences. For years, there was little comprehensive data on how Georgia youth spend their time or what challenges they face — VOX ATL sought to fill that gap.
The survey collects anonymous feedback on topics that matter most to young Georgians, from mental health and school life to how you like to communicate and feel valued. Designed to take less than 15 minutes, the survey lets you share your perspective safely — and, if you choose, enter a drawing for a $150 gift card at the end without linking your answers to your identity. It’s a chance to make your voice count and help shape programs and resources that actually meet teens’ needs.
Teens are involved at every step — from designing the questions to analyzing the responses and presenting the findings. This ensures the survey reflects the priorities and language of teens themselves, giving the results authenticity and relevance. The survey covers a wide range of topics: how teens spend their free time, access to mental health resources, communication preferences, and experiences with digital media. These insights help educators, policymakers, and community organizations better understand and serve young people.
Youth ages 11–20 living anywhere in Georgia can take part in the 2025 VOX Teen Survey through the VOX ATL website. Every response helps build a more accurate picture of youth life in Georgia and ensures that young people’s perspectives remain central in decisions that affect them.
To take the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DVY3FKB
