Random Drug Testing in Schools

Several school managements have begun implementing drug testing in schools. The idea behind conducting these tests is to prevent and deal with illicit drug use among school kids. School authorities and drug test advocates believe that this will deter drug use, provide proof where drug use is suspected, and also collect final proof, when expulsion is being considered. It is believed that drug testing is an effective tool and platform, to prescribe appropriate treatment options for young people, struggling with pre-existing drug issues. Thus, various schools have adopted this method to convey the anti-drug message.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy in US affirms that random drug testing in schools has lead to reduction in drug use, especially among adolescents. A significant reduction was seen in cigarette smoking among 13 years old children, from about 35.9% to 24.4%. Moreover, reduction from 39.9% to 30% of alcohol use and 18.5% to 11.8% of cannabis use was reported among students. In a survey conducted in 2002-2003, in Britain, it was found that 36% of 16-50 year old people have used one or more illicit drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, etc. in their lifetime. It was also reported that over 3 million people take cannabis, the most popular drug, every year.

Typically, contracted medical professionals carry out these drug tests. They randomly select students from the database and on the day of testing come on campus to conduct them. The student is called out of the class and asked to give the required sample for the drug tests. These drug tests use urine, saliva, blood, hair, sweat or breath as samples. The sample collected is analyzed and tested for certain drugs. Each sample determines different results, for example, a hair sample tests for drug usage withing the past 12 weeks or longer. The time period can be from 7-100 days depending on the length of the hair sample. In case of urine sample tests, drug usage within the previous 1-3 days can be determined. Saliva samples and sweat samples detect drug use within 1-36 hours and 1-14 days respectively.

Each of these methods have their drawbacks. For example, urine test is cheap and capable of detecting most drugs of misuse, the observed tests to prevent the children from adulterating the urine sample is embarrassing to the children. Students are given privacy, while giving the urine samples, however, there is a risk of the student altering the sample. Hair testing on the other hand is expensive and provides information regarding drug use over the previous weeks. This test cannot detect recent drug usage. However, this test can be quite discriminatory as dark haired people are prone to test positive for the test as compared to blonds. Moreover, passive exposure to drugs can also yield positive tests.

Saliva testing method involves obtaining sample under direct observation, thereby reducing the chances of sample adulteration. However, saliva tests are inefficient in cannabis detection and have a very short detection window. Sweat testing is the most expensive method of drug testing and for analysis requires specialist laboratory services. The sample can also be contaminated by passive exposure to drugs.

Drug testing is quite complex and comprises many limitations such as, drug that are not tested by the panel will come negative. Students can cheat the tests and outsmart the testers. Adulterated samples affect the effectiveness of the test. Over 900,000 hits in less than a second were registered in Google search for 'passing a drug test'. This clearly implies, how many people are desperately looking for means to cheat the drug test.

The results of the tests are intimated to the school authorities, parents and the students. Students with positive drug tests results are directed for counseling. Drug addiction can have serious effects on their lives, thus if they are addicted to drugs, they need rehabilitation. Mostly their extracurricular activities and privileges are withdrawn. Random drug testing should involve the consent of the children, parents and the wider community. They must be educated about the different kinds of tests and the pros and cons of random drug testing in schools. This will reduce resistance and lack-of-trust issues creeping in people's mind. Random drug testing in high schools will make school campuses a safer place, and will prevent schools for being platforms for drug addiction.