Student Privacy

Students in 8th, 9th and 10th grade participate in the Wisconsin Online Youth Risk Behavior Survey (OYRBS). The survey takes place between February and March every other year. This important survey is sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control. The survey asks about the health behaviors of students. Some of the topics included are nutrition, physical activity, injuries, tobacco, alcohol and other drug use and feelings of safety and connection at school.  

Completing this anonymous survey will cause little or no risk to your child. The only potential risk is that some students might find certain questions to be sensitive. Some questions are sensitive due to their direct wording. To help solve health problems among our youth, we must first understand what problems they are experiencing. For example, early alcohol use contributes to long-term health problems. The best way to learn if students are at risk is to ask them direct questions about these behaviors. The results contribute to both school and community health education programs.  The data also helps to secure local, federal and state grants that support health education, substance abuse prevention and social/emotional learning programs.

The survey is voluntary. No action will be taken against the school, you, or your child if your child does not take the survey. Students can skip any questions they do not wish to answer. In addition, students may stop taking the survey at any point without penalty.

Parents or legal guardians have the right to view the survey materials.  Copies of surveys may be reviewed at your child's school during the survey window but copies may not be removed from the building.

A notification will be distributed to parents/guardians prior to the survey. Notification will include a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Information sheet. Notification will also include the process of opting a child out of taking the survey.