School districts must obtain parental consent before administering mental health screenings or surveys to students, according to new guidance from the U.S. Education Department. The directive clarifies that such assessments—often used to identify anxiety, depression, or other concerns—fall under federal privacy laws requiring parental involvement. Critics argue the move could limit access to critical support for struggling students, while supporters say it upholds parental rights over sensitive student data. The policy shift raises questions about how schools will balance mental health awareness with legal compliance.
Mental health screenings, surveys require parental consent, Education Department says K-12 Dive
