Prof Marshall wants children's views on issues which matter to them

Professor Kathleen Marshall plans to use the internet and text messaging to court views as part of a month-long consultation called Keeping Promises.

Seven topics including safer streets, bullying and advice when parents split up have already been suggested.

Every school in Scotland would be given voting cards so that pupils could have their say, she said.

The commissioner has teamed up with information agency Young Scot for the consultation.

I want to get a proper steer on the concrete issues young people want us to address Prof Marshall

Youngsters have been invited to voice their opinions online, by text, freephone, e-mail, or by filling out voting cards.

The commissioner said: "The first part of this quest is to find out what young people care about and what issues are most important to them.

"I want to get a proper steer on the concrete issues young people want us to address, not just what adults think young people care about.

'Change things'

"In addition, I want to make a partnership with young people, help them to feel they've got a stake in society and that they can achieve and change things.

"Once the consultation closes we will have a general idea of what we need to do and then, over a two-year span, we hope to identify the main issues and the blockages that stop improvement."

The consultation was officially launched at Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth on Friday.

The issue which tops the poll will become the commissioner's main priority for the next two years.