Information for Parents and Guardians
Conducted every other year, the OPNA survey provides valuable information about experiences, attitudes, and perceptions among Oklahoma 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders across a variety of issues affecting today’s youth.
The next OPNA survey will be conducted in the 2025-26 school year. The instruments will be available on this page when they are finalized.
Parent/Guardian Frequently Asked Questions
The survey asks questions about mental health, bullying, social media, risky or harmful behaviors, and factors that may either put students at risk for poor mental health or problem behaviors or factors that may protect them.
No. Students do not put their name, student ID, or other personal identifiers on the survey. Students’ answers are combined with answers of other students before reporting results.
No. The OPNA survey is NOT a student-level assessment. It is a survey used to determine the need for prevention strategies at a school, district, county, or state level.
Examples of how OPNA survey data are used include:
- Helping determine areas of the state that may benefit from additional support to address substance misuse and mental health concerns.
- Estimating the need for additional school services and staffing.
- Developing and implementing a youth-led plan to address substance misuse and mental health concerns.
No. Parental and student rights are an important part of the survey process. Your child is not required to take the survey.
Having survey answers for as many students as possible, regardless of the kinds of activities they have participated in, helps provide a complete picture of experiences, perceptions, and attitudes of Oklahoma 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. This will help with tracking successes such as increases in communication with adults, increases in participation in school activities, and decreases in substance use.
Yes. Schools are required to notify you at two weeks prior to the survey date, give you an opportunity to view the survey, and give you the opportunity to say that you do not want your child to be given the survey.
This is a great opportunity to talk with them about alcohol, drugs, vaping, mental health, and other issues that may impact their well-being and success. Visit our Talk. They Hear You. page to learn more.
