Lying is one of the factors that make us human, and like everything, there is a time and place for it. School surveys are not one of them.

It is understandable why some students might not be honest in school surveys, be it the subject matter or lack of anonymity, but where possible, students should be as honest as they can. Surveys, according to “Understanding and Evaluating Survey Research” are meant to gather data for psychological and social studies, not be an interrogation.

One of the more prominent surveys in FCPS is the Fairfax County Youth Survey, which is optional, anonymous and taken every year by sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th grade students in the county. It evaluates behaviors such as drug use, bullying, physical health and mental health. According to Fairfax County Gov, it uses the responses to get a better idea of the students weaknesses, strengths, and how they can improve certain unhealthy behaviors.

This survey is not just important to FCPS, but to CHS and the choices the administrators make through education and programs, in turn benefiting the students, staff and community,  making CHS the best it can be. Dishonesty in surveys, such as the Fairfax County Youth Survey, can cause a disconnect between the district and the community, preventing accurate solutions to real problems.

FCPS does many of the suggestions researchers say to do when it comes to making surveys as approachable as possible. Some of these suggestions from the Harvard University Program on Survey Research are adding an “I don’t know,” or other neutral answer, keeping it straight to the point, not emotionally biased and anonymous. 

Some questions have more nuance to them, this is where having an “I don’t know” or other neutral answer to them should be applied. The county keeps the questions concise and straight-to-the-point to prevent confusion. For example; “Do you think phone addiction is a problem with students?”

A key factor, and arguably the most important, is to keep the survey anonymous if possible. Students deserve to be able to be honest without the fear of getting into trouble with staff or parents. A survey should conduct general research, not isolate an individual into lying to keep themselves from getting into trouble. Thankfully, the Fairfax County Youth Survey does do this, which allows more accurate answers.

Honesty, when taking such surveys, is the glue holding the survey together. In order for it to be a reliable source to benefit students, we need to be a reliable sources.