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ONLINE YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY
Parent and Student Information
Q. Why is the survey being done?
A: The school district will use the survey results to help measure how many youth engage in health-related behaviors. The survey results will be used to create school health programs to help reduce these risk behaviors and promote health enhancing behaviors.
Q: What does the OYRBS measure and why are these things important?
A: The OYRBS focuses on health-related behaviors that result in the most significant mortality, morbidity, and social problems during both adolescence and adulthood. These include: 1) behaviors that result in unintentional and intentional injuries; 2) tobacco use; 3) alcohol and other drug use; 4) sexual behaviors that may result in HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancies; 5) dietary behaviors; and 6) physical activity. The OYRBS measures student attitude and perceptions related to health-related behaviors. In addition, the OYRBS measures assets and these assets have the power to protect youth from engaging in risk behaviors and at the same time promote healthy behaviors.
To determine the level of risk among adolescents, priority health-related behaviors must be measured directly. Measuring only relevant knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, or intentions will not provide an accurate description of the level of risk, because the relationship between these factors and the priority of health-related behaviors themselves often is weak, unproven, or nonexistent. For example, even though most people know that smoking causes lung cancer, many people still continue to smoke.
Q: Will student participation be anonymous?
A: Yes. Survey administration procedures have been designed to protect student privacy and allow for anonymous participation. Students will not put their names or other identifying information on the questionnaires.
Q: How was my child picked to be in the survey?
A: Students were selected randomly to participate (or) all students in the school/grade were selected to participate.
Q: Does my child have to participate?
A: No. Participation in this survey is voluntary and your child’s grade in this class will not be affected, whether or not they answer the questions. Students also have the option of leaving a question blank that they are not comfortable answering.
Q: How long does it take to fill out the survey? Does the survey include a physical test?
A: Most students take 20-30 minutes to fill out the web-based survey. The survey does not include a physical test or exam.
Q: Doesn’t a survey like this actually encourage students to engage in these behaviors?
A: The causes and determinants of health-related behaviors are very complex. Students are exposed frequently to information about tobacco, alcohol, other drug use, violence, and sexuality through the media, parents, friends, and the broader community. Exposure to a small number of questions on any one topic is not likely to cause a change in behavior – either good or bad. If it were that easy, we could simply ask students about all the things we want them to do!
Q: Do students answer the question truthfully?
A: Research indicates data of this nature may be gathered as reliably from adolescents as from adults. To obtain truthful answers, students must perceive the survey as important and know that procedures have been developed to protect their privacy and allow for anonymous participation.
Q: Can I review a copy of the survey?
A: Yes, a copy of the survey will be kept at the school office.
Q: What will be done with the results?
A: A report summarizing the student data will be developed and used to improve school health and wellness programs. Remember—no child and no class will ever be mentioned by name.
Q: Whom can I contact if I have questions about the survey?
A: Name: Sara Kettleson
Title: Safe and Healthy School Coordinator
Phone: 608.745.5492
E-mail: kettlesons@cesa5.org
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