“06880 Teens & Tweens”: Let’s Hear From You!

There’s been lots of talk recently — on “06880,” and around town — about issues involving high school and middle school students.

Racism. Antisemitism. Cell phones in schools. Academic pressure. Social pressure. Bullying. Mental health. Body image. Book bans. Vaping. And lots more.

Plenty of Westporters have weighed in, on all sides of the issue.

But one group of voices is missing: teens and tweens themselves.

That’s a shame. We need to hear what this important group of people — the ones most impacted by these discussions — has to say.

Soon, we’ll hear those voices.

Jolie Gefen and Talia Varsano are spending the next month working with “06880,” through Staples’ senior internship program.

They are bright, creative, energetic, passionate. And they have created a way for every Westport student’s voice to be heard.

Today, we’re launching “06880 Teens & Tweens.”

It’s a space for youth to submit and publish their insights and ideas.

Every kind of experience is welcome: good or bad, happy or sad. You can talk about local issues: what’s going on at school, with your sports or arts or other activities, the skate park, Community Gardens, downtown or anything else.

You can talk about what you love about Westport. Or what you hate.

You can talk about bigger issues: how the debate over Israel and Gaza affects you. What the upcoming election means to you — or why you don’t care. Ditto for climate change.

You’ll notice we say “you can talk about…” — not “write about.” That’s because you’re not restricted to writing. If you feel more comfortable expressing yourself through a video, podcast, music or art — send it along.

All submissions, in all mediums and styles, are welcome.

If you’d like your name used with your submission: great!

If you prefer anonymity: also great! Just let us know.

The goal is to get your voice heard.

To start, click here; then fill out the short form.

Jolie and Talia will take it from there. All they need is you.

PS: If you’re a Westport teenager or tween reading this, please send it along to your friends. If you’re an adult, send it to every young person in town you know!