The Journal of school health
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Because of school districts' interest in best serving the health needs of students, many choose to administer surveys addressing controversial topics. Administering such surveys in a voluntary and anonymous manner may help reduce conflict. ⋯ School districts should ensure a student survey relates to the district's overall educational goals. Likewise, the district should adequately inform parents of a survey's contents, date of administration, and a parent's ability to opt out. Schools should make sure a survey is truly voluntary and anonymous. Finally, schools should carefully follow local policy and state and federal laws that apply to surveying students, such as the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment.