Several school districts in Butler County are participating this fall in a statewide survey to gather information about substance abuse and other issues affecting young people.

The Pennsylvania Youth Survey, or PAYS, has been conducted every other year statewide since 1989 by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

The survey is intended for students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 and is intended to gauge behavior, attitudes and knowledge concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and violence.

The Karns City School District participated in 2013 and 2015 and will participate again this year. Moniteau High School is participating this year, and the Slippery Rock School District is having its students in grades 8 and 10 participate. Butler School District officials were looking into the possibility of participating after hearing interest from school board members at its meeting Monday. The Freeport and Allegheny-Clarion district have also participated in recent years.

Participation by students is voluntary and their parents can also opt out.

A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.