Pubdate: Sun, 04 Jun 2006 Source: Observer, The (UK) Copyright: 2006 The Observer Contact: http://www.observer.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/315 Author: Compilation Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) SHOULD SCHOOLCHILDREN BE TESTED FOR DRUGS? Random Drug Testing Is Planned In All Secondary Schools In England As Part Of A Crackdown On Drug Use Among Pupils Karol Sikora If we agree to random tests on children, then, surely, we should agree to such tests on all in society, young and old. Why not test people at rock concerts, nightclubs and city centres at night? Why should we treat children differently as citizens? If a child has behavioural problems or is showing evidence of deteriorating academic performance, then drug testing would form part of a diagnostic package which could include counselling, parental interviews and a medical assessment. If a child proves positive, what will the school do about it? There is a huge difference between chronic drug abuse and the odd, experimental dabble. Identifying the regulars will be made far more likely by targeted screening programmes with full parental consent in advance. . Karol Sikora is a cancer specialist Noreena Hertz Drug tests for schoolchildren will be no magic bullet. While a few potential users may be thwarted from trying drugs as a consequence, two major US studies report that student testing doesn't actually reduce drug use and may even create additional casualties. This is because most teenagers assume others will be caught but not them, and so do not modify their behaviour, while some of the most committed drug users will shift to drugs that cannot be tested for, such as solvents, which can have fatal consequences. Anyway, should drugs be the main thing we are attempting to protect our children from? With stabbings now a significant problem in our society, might metal detectors at schools not be a better use of funds than mouth swabs? . Noreena Hertz is an academic Sarfraz Manzoor A recent survey suggested that one in five secondary school children had tried drugs in the last year. Anything which might help discourage children from starting or continuing drug use should be applauded. Drug testing of children needs to be done with parental approval and it should be at the discretion of school heads. Random testing is used in sports to combat drugs. It seems utterly plausible that it could be useful in schools. It could help children resist peer pressure, it can reduce disruption and improve exam results. As with the introduction of metal detectors, it is sad that such measures need to be considered, but if they improve the quality of education, I am supportive. . Sarfraz Manzoor is a writer and broadcaster Mary Warnock One may think that school is getting to be a kind of prison, with inmates frisked for knives, tested for illegal substances and forbidden crisps. But there is nothing new in the principle. Seventy years ago at my school, we had our underclothes inspected, our letters home read and the books we brought in checked for sex or anti-Christian sentiments. There was little regard for our human rights, if we had had any in those days. At least carrying knives and taking dope are against the law; schools are fully entitled to ensure that what is criminal is not permitted on the premises. If teachers suddenly seem authoritarian and like allies of the police, so much the better. It doesn't mean that they will teach less well or even be less well-liked. . Mary Warnock is a philosopher - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath