Seattle Schools Under Scrutiny for Student Privacy Concerns

Seattle-area schools have been using a health survey called "Check Yourself" to gather information from students as young as 10. This survey covers topics like gender identity, romantic interests, and substance use. The data collected is then shared with external organizations, which has raised privacy concerns among some parents. The survey is part of a grant-funded program aimed at reducing substance abuse and promoting mental health. It includes around 40 questions that touch on sensitive topics like self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and drug use. Despite the sensitive nature of the questions, the survey is presented as voluntary, and parents are notified in advance. However, critics argue that the notification letters do not adequately inform parents about the sensitive nature of the questions or the fact that the data will be shared with outside groups. Documents show that the data is shared with organizations like King County and Seattle Children’s Hospital for research and evaluation purposes.Parents have expressed concerns about the potential for student data to be identifiable, even without names attached. One mother, Stephanie Hager, obtained survey records and argued that the current safeguards do not sufficiently protect student privacy. She highlighted the value of the data collected, making it a lucrative resource for third parties. The Department of Education has launched an investigation into the survey and data-sharing practices. Meanwhile, Seattle Public Schools maintain that the survey is a crucial tool for identifying students who may need support and that they comply with federal and state privacy laws. The controversy has also sparked similar concerns in Oregon, where parents have raised alarms about similar surveys being distributed in their children's schools.