Pros & Cons of Random Drug Tests in High School
Many school management systems already do, or have considered implementing, drug testing. The argument for implementing these policies is that they will deter drug use. Drug testing is a way for the schools to screen students and identify, when playing sports, whether they are impacting their performance with illegal drugs or steroids. The National Association of School Boards estimated that from 500 to 2,000 -- or 3.5 percent of schools -- perform random drug tests as of February 2011.
Pro: Breaking Addiction
One benefit, and goal, of identifying drug use while in school is to intervene before the drug use becomes too involved. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that as an individual continues to take drugs, her body becomes less responsive to the drug and needs to take more or try other, harder drugs to get the same feeling -- which eventually leads to addition. If drug use is caught early enough, intervention can happen.
Pro: Avoid Singling People Out
Random drug testing is a better alternative to targeted drug testing because parents and students will not be able to argue a student was unfairly targeted to receive a test instead of his best friend, for example. Many times, students are targeted for symptoms that may be linked to drug use such as red or glassy eyes. It's difficult to set criteria that are fair and applies to all students equally.
Con: Does Not Deter Drug Use
Although many officials suggest that drug testing circumvents use, a federal study conducted in 2003 with 76,000 students determined that drug use is just as prevalent in schools with drug testing as it is in schools without testing, according to Dr. Lloyd Johnston from the University of Michigan. Drugs surveyed included marijuana, heroin and cocaine.
Con: Violates Constitutional Rights
One of the primary arguments against drug testing in schools is that it violates rights to privacy, mainly due to protection from unnecessary search and seizure. Some people feel that drug testing can lead to other civil liberties being infringed upon, such as unnecessary camera surveillance and tracking.
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