Sunday, March 29, 1998 — North Shore News — 15

Student survey troubles WV parents

Catherine Barr
Contributing Writer

CONCERNED parents
turned up in force at a
West Vancouver School
Board meeting Tuesday
to discuss the McCreary
Centre adolescent health
survey.

“Doing surevs docs not
result. in an increase in risky
behavior,” said Dr. Roger
Tonkin, executive director tor
the McCreary Centre Society.

Some parents do not want
their children participating in the
survey. Tr includes quesnions on
family relationships, substance
abuse and sexual conduct.

“If we hurt one child, then it
is not worth it,” said parent Ann
Withers.

Based on the board's deci-

sion, any students sclested t
partarpate in the survey woul
have to obtan: parental permis
sion. Barents have been
intormed thar absohite
anonsmity will be provided tor
all students. Both parents: and
student have the neht te opt
out without penalty.

Suill, parents argue that even
with that night, the survey could

either put ideas into the minds of

younger participants or subject
them to unnecessary naicule by
their peers for not being allowud
to participate.

Grades 7 to 12 will comprise
the study group and children as
young as 12 years old: will be
asked te participate,

But Tonkin argues that the
survey reveals nothing, that stu-
dents do not already deal with.
“If we want to look at what we
are exposing our Kids to, just
look at the media,” he said.

“Vhev've heard it all betore ” He
peioss out the example ot the
Bill Clinton: scandals currentiy
heing plaved out in the media,

North Shore News alum
nist Trevor Lautens was at the
meeting 10 ask questions.
Laurens, who has been vocal
about his opposition to the sur
vey, argued the project ts based
on American sources.

He challenged that) many
people in the room probably had
not even scen the survey ques:
tions for themselves.

“Why haven’ we all got a
copy?” he asked.

Many responded that they
had scen the survey questions,
Said school tnastee Dr Erica
Bell- Lowther, “Pve seen it: and
so have my kids,” she said.

Tonkin emphasized the need
to gather data. He said thar it
would serve to better formulate
effective school proyrams. He

Photo Catherine Barr

DR. Roger Tonkin shows a copy of a student health survey that's causing some
controversy in West Vancouver.

EVER YOUNG TREADMILLS

sud that many
place tedayv in schools 4
termbly efeane.”

prognmints 14
“nat

Calling adolescent behavior a
scompley thing.” ‘Tonkin tried
to reassure worded parents. He

said discussion
behavior acttal

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