STUDENT SURVEY DRAWS QUESTIONS

A student survey with topics surrounding sexual activity and drug and
alcohol use has some trustees up in arms.

Chilliwack board of education voted in favour of participating in the
Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Study, despite concerns from
trustees Heather Maahs and Martha Wiens.

The international study, which is conducted by Queen's University in
collaboration with the World Health Organization, and is administered
every four years, is meant to be a tool in increasing the
understanding of young people's health and well-being, behaviours and
social interactions.

The findings are also used to develop beneficial programs for young
people, and influence policy around youth and school health in Canada.

Students studied range from 11 years old to 15 years old.

Topics include family relationships, peer relationships, school
climate, physical activity, body image, emotional health, eating
patterns, bullying, smoking, drugs and alcohol. Students in grades 9
and 10 will also be asked questions on their sexual activity.

All surveys are completed anonymously.

"I am concerned with how the questions are worded; they come across
negatively," said trustee Heather Maahs, who was also concerned that
some of the questions relating to sexual activity, drugs and alcohol
would leave an impression on students that everyone else is already
doing those things.

Trustee Martha Wiens suggested the surveys be sent home for parents to sign.

Board chair John-Henry Harter, however, said that anonymous surveys
like these are needed to get an accurate picture of student health.

"We can't censor questions just because some people are uncomfortable
asking those questions ... I don't think it's our role to decide what
should and shouldn't be asked," said Harter.

"In order to get an accurate picture of student health, they have to
ask questions from all facets of a student's life. I don't think we
could get the answers to these questions without doing this survey."
Trustee Louise Piper said that not knowing could be detrimental.

Issues around drugs and alcohol, and sexual activity among youth "is
a reality of our youth," said Piper.

"If we don't understand what students are doing, how can we help them?"

Select students at Robertson elementary, McCammon elementary, Mount
Slesse middle, G.W. Graham middle-secondary and Sardis secondary have
been chosen for the survey.

Permission letters will be sent home to the parents of the selected students.

Participation is voluntary.