1. Does asking a child about risky behavior raise the chance they will engage in risky behavior?
There is no evidence that asking students about their engagement in risky behaviors will encourage engagement in risky behaviors.
2. What do I do if I don't want my child to take the survey?
Two weeks prior to the intended survey date, schools will send out an email with an opt-out link or provide a take home opt-out sheet to all parents. If you do not want your child to participate in the NM-YOUTH survey, you can sign and return the sheet to your child's school, or fill out the online opt-out survey. If you do not receive the form or email, please contact us at research@nmyouth.com for assistance in opting your child out.
3. Is the NM-YOUTH an online or paper and pencil survey?
The survey is primarily completed online, on student's personal or school-provided devices through a secure platform. In cases where students are unable to take the survey online, paper and pencil copies will be available. All surveys, digital or paper, are anonymous and will not be linked to your child.
4. What grades are included in the NM-YOUTH survey?
The NM-YOUTH survey spans grades 5-12th, varying by school.
5. Can the students take the survey in Spanish?
Yes, all study materials will be available in Spanish (including surveys, child assent forms, and parental consent forms).
6. Is it possible to identify individual student's responses?
No, it will not be possible to identify individual student responses. Each student will access the survey through an anonymous link, and will not be asked to provide any identifying info. Similarly, any paper copies of the survey will not request any identifying information, and will have a front and back cover to protect your child's answers.
7. Do students have to participate in the survey?
All participation is voluntary, and there are no penalties if your child decides not to participate in the survey. Your child can choose to skip any question or stop the survey at anytime after providing their assent to participate.
8. Why was my child's school selected for the NM-YOUTH survey?
School districts were randomized by the 5 public health regions, as outlined by the New Mexico Department of Health.
9. Who decides what questions are on the NM-YOUTH survey?
The questions on the NM-YOUTH survey were decided by the NM-YOUTH research team at the University of New Mexico and our Sponsors at NUPAC (Nicotine Use and Prevention And Control) at the New Mexico Department of Health; utilizing validated measures such as the AUDIT-US, GAD-2, and items found on the NTYS (National Youth Tobacco Survey) and NM-YRRS (New Mexico Youth Risk & Resiliency Survey) .
10. Who can I contact if I would like more information?
If you have more questions, or would like to contact a member of our research team directly, please email us at research@nmyouth.com.
