Some parents and advocates are complaining about a federal health survey given to Massachusetts students because it asks kids about sex.
The survey is developed by the Centers for Disease Control and given to 7th through 12th graders across the country.
It asks kids if they’re gay or transgender. It asks them what kinds of sex they’ve had and with how many partners. Parent Jamie Allen says when she saw the survey.
“I was shocked. I was sick to my stomach.”
Parents can already opt their children out of taking the survey. But Allen told a legislative committee the state should require parents to give permission before their kids could fill out the questionnaire.
The survey, which is anonymous, also asks students if they smoke cigarettes, drink, have considered suicide, or text while driving.
Experts say the data are crucial to identify public health needs, inform policy and fund prevention programs.
