Kathleen Marshall pledged to act on the poll results

Kathleen Marshall said she was "really pleased" after more than 16,000 youngsters responded to her survey.

Every school in Scotland was contacted, with youngsters voting by polling card, mobile phone and online.

The majority called for more things to do, with bullying a major worry for girls, and boys wanting safer streets.

Youngsters voted on seven issues which had been identified as being the most important to them.

Most of those who responded said they wanted more things to do with activities that were affordable, accessible and designed by themselves.

ISSUES FOR YOUNGSTERS Things to do - 26.5% Bullying - 25.3% Safer streets - 24% Parents splitting up - 9.2% Education - 5.4% Transport - 4.9% Health - 4.5%

Many youngsters also wanted action on bullying and making the streets safer.

Prof Marshall has pledged to adopt their choices as priorities which will shape her work over the next two years.

She said giving youngsters more things to do benefits their communities by reducing vandalism and petty crime.

"I am really pleased at the size of the response," she said.

"The topic they have chosen - 'Things to do' is important from many points of view.

Improving communities

"If we can fix this for our children and young people, we will not only make them happier and healthier, but we will also improve things for their communities."

Particular attention was paid to the views of children with disabilities, those from ethnic minorities, in care and youngsters in secure accommodation.

Prof Marshall added: "This is not going to be one of those consultations that don't lead anywhere. We will continue working with children and young people to take these matters forward."

The consultation was carried out with support from Young Scot, the national youth information agency for Scotland.