Drug Testing in Schools

Drug testing in schools has long been a controversial, hotly debated topic. There are those that are strongly in support of it and others that are equally fervent in their opposition of it. As it stands, schools are, by law, able to test students for drugs if they have cause or suspicion that drugs have been used. Random drug testing remains illegal.

People that believe that drugs test should be administered in schools generally feel that such tests act as a deterrent to drug use. Those who oppose it believe that such actions are unconstitutional. Below, we will take a look at the most commonly argued, school drug testing pros and cons. We will discuss the pros first.

Pros

• Drug testing acts as a deterrent: Students who know that they may be given a random drug test might avoid doing drugs or may do so with less frequency, in order to decrease the likelihood of detection. Fear of being caught after having engaged in an illegal activity might also deter kids. Fear can be a powerful motivator and can act as an equally powerful deterrent. The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” comes to mind. It is much better, when at all possible to prevent drug use than it is to treat it.

• Reduction of Drug Use: for kids that already use drugs, random school testing may curtail their use. Because these tests are random and unscheduled, some students may be less apt to use for fear of being busted. A reduction of drug use can have a huge impact on a student’s life and future. While no drug use is good, forcing, though not directly, a decrease in drug use can have a positive impact physically and psychologically.

• Early Intervention: If a student is found to have used drugs via a random school drug test, there is an opportunity to intervene (whether professional or otherwise) which may not have existed if the drug test was never administered. Early intervention can mean a world of difference. The longer drugs are used, the more dependent the user becomes on them physically, psychologically and emotionally. Detection may also help scare a young user straight.

Pros Summary: Though there are more potential pros for random drug testing in schools, we’ve listed and discussed some of the most commonly debated ones. Proponents of random drug testing in schools generally believe that such tests can help reduce drug use, act as a deterrent and can lead enable early intervention for detected users.

Cons

• Cost: Many of the people that are not in favor of random drug testing in schools will note that the cost of such tests is prohibitive. This is especially true, when considering the financial state of most of our school districts. Many are finding it difficult to find the money to keep teachers and other support staff employed and to pay for supplies and after-school activities. Spending money that school districts don’t have on drug testing without reason or cause seems wasteful and unwise to those that oppose random drug testing.

• Invasion of Privacy: One of the biggest arguments against random drug testing in schools is that it is an invasion of privacy. Some people believe that students are having their rights taken away by being forced to undergo drug testing for no other reason, then the powers-to-be find it necessary. Individuals that hold to this view don’t subscribe to claims that early detection, intervention of found drug users and the potential to deter drug use (all benefits of random school drug testing cited by proponents of it) are worth the invasion of privacy students might experience if they were to undergo a drug test.

• It’s Unnecessary: For some people the idea of randomly drug testing school-aged kids without cause or reason is simply unnecessary. Yes, there are kids that use drugs but not every one of them do and thus testing them all to catch a few would be a poor use of a schools resources, which are becoming increasingly scarce.

• Subsequent Legal Battles: Some schools won’t even consider administering drug tests for fear of being sued by angry parents.

Cons Summary: The cons or arguments against random drug testing in school are varied. Some people believe that such tests are a waste of financial resources, not to mention time. Because not every kid is using drugs, it doesn’t make sense to test every one. Only with cause and reason should a school require drug testing.

Other opponents of such testing contend that requiring drug tests is an invasion of privacy that kids shouldn’t have to experience at all, especially without cause or reason. High costs are another knock on drug testing. With many school districts are already spread thin financially. Spending money that most don’t have on drug testing seems financially imprudent.

All in All

The fight for and against random drug testing has become at times, very bitter. Individuals on both side of the debate have stated their case with fervor and passion, believing their stance to be the right one. Like most anything else, there are both pros and cons associated with legalizing random drug testing in schools.

The pros are admittedly good ones and in some aspects, quite noble. Those that believe that random drug testing in schools is a positive thing, often cite that such tests can detect early drug use so that some kind of intervention can take place. The sooner a child’s drug use if detected by adults, the better. Reduced drug use amongst children for fear of being caught is another pro.

On the other side of the “coin” are the costs associated with random drug testing in schools. Such tests would be incredibly expensive. At a time when schools can barely afford the basics, drug testing seems to be a luxury that simply can’t be afforded right now. Invasion of privacy matters and the possibility of subsequent legal battles are other cons.

Whether or not random legal drug testing in schools will one day become lawful, is not known at this time. What is known is that the debate is likely to continue to rage on, no matter what is ultimately decided.