Pubdate: Wed, 3 Mar 2004
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2004 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.press.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/349
Author: Michelle Brooker

CHRISTCHURCH PRINCIPALS SUPPORT DRUG TESTING

Christchurch principals support random drug testing in schools to
combat increasing drug use among teenagers.

Ministry of Education figures show the number of Christchurch students
suspended for drugs or substance abuse rose by 35 per cent between
2000 and 2002.

In 2002, 58 students were suspended for using drugs at Christchurch
schools compared with 43 in 2000.

Principals said yesterday a significant number of students at every
secondary school were using drugs. Schools who said they did not have
a problem had their heads in the sand.

Christchurch principals concerned by the rise in drug use at their
schools met last year to discuss protocols for dealing with students
who were caught with drugs.

In Christchurch most students are offered counselling for their first
drug offence and students who are suspended for drug use are required
to have a drug test before they are allowed back at school.

Christchurch Boys' High School headmaster Trevor McIntyre said he
"would be keen" to carry out random drug testing of students who were
under-performing if he thought they were using drugs.

"I think schools will increasingly start to do it," he
said.

"No school in Christchurch can say they haven't got kids whose
performance isn't being affected by drug use. Kids go home at
lunchtime for a smoke and it gives them confidence to get through the
day.

"I think schools are starting to think about the impact of social drug
taking on performance at school. Schools have a responsibility to do
something about it."

McIntyre believes parents would support a move to drug testing because
so many felt powerless to stop their children from taking drugs.

Linwood College students who are suspended for drug use are required
to undergo two drug tests, one before they go back to school and a
second four weeks later.

"This shows they are committed to being drug free," principal Rob
Burrough said.

"We have 99.9% support from parents about this (testing)."

Burrough said he would support a move to random testing if drug use in
schools worsened.

Burrough said he was particularly concerned about the drug P (pure
methamphetamine). "If that got a hold in schools I wouldn't have any
compunction about doing all we could to stamp it out."

Cashmere High School principal Dave Turnbull said random drug testing
in schools was inevitable.

"Obviously drug use is very high. I think individual schools could
establish their own policies in discussion with teachers, parents,
boards of trustees and medical people," he said.

Mairehau High School principal and chairman of the Canterbury-West
Coast Secondary Principals' Association Neil Lancaster is not keen on
random drug testing.

Lancaster said random testing was "not desirable".

"I think it is scary stuff," he said.

"I know employers do it but I think the only way to combat drug use is
through education. If you create a climate where drug use isn't
desirable you will have a far better chance of success." 
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