I read an article online today regarding schools randomly drug testing student athletes and it made me wonder what people think about drug testing children in general. From what I’ve seen and heard in the past, many people are opposed to this concept. I don’t understand why. Yes, it is an invasion of children’s privacy. But I tend to side with the mean parents that stay in their kids’ business. And I’m all for rewarding children that stay straight and clean…and the early warning that your kids are experimenting seems like invaluable information. So, what are your thoughts on the matter? Does anyone actually do it? Do pediatricians assist in handling the tests without a bunch of questions? It’s not that I don’t trust my kids. I just want to do what’s best for them. And being proactive doesn’t sound like such a bad idea to me.
I do not believe everyone is guilty of drug usage by any means. Just like I would take my kid in to test them for lead poisoning if I suspected they had come into contact with it I am talking about preventative care. And yes, I’m talking about older kids…say 10 +. And I’m not talking about schools making it mandatory for all kids. Yes, I agree that schools should use their funding for other purposes. I’m talking about parents taking a personal responsibility to spend a little money to ensure their kids aren’t making bad decisions that will ruin their lives.
Based on the latest statistics most people who start using drugs do so in their early teens. The average starting age for heroin in many cities in the UK is just 15, and a survey of over 20,000 UK school children showed that 9% of 13 year olds and over a quarter (27%) of 15 year olds had used an illegal drug at some point in their lives.
So should a quarter of parents wait until their 15 year old children are already doing drugs before taking any action?
Testing gets all the cards on the table and opens up communication – showing that you are looking out for them and offering them a valid excuse when faced by peer pressure to do drugs.
I personally went through my late teens working in a forensics lab and my regular employee drug testing helped me avoid the numerous offers of drugs I received from friends of friends and when out socialising – all without losing any credibility, etc.
Visit http://www.drug-aware.com/home-drug-tests-faq.htm for home drug testing frequently asked questions.
If you need further help / support:
In the UK, I would advise you to call Talk To Frank, the Government funded drugs / alcohol helpline on 0800 77 66 00 or http://www.talktofrank.com
In the USA, I would suggest you call Addiction Search toll free on 1-800-559-9503 or http://www.addictionsearch.com for someone to steer you in the right direction.
Visit http://www.drug-aware.com for free drug and alcohol information, testing kits, awareness, policy development and more.
My dad did it to all of us randomly throughout our adolescence. It’s how we found out my little sister had a meth problem. She’s 19 and been clean for 27 months now. You can but the tests at the local drug store.
References :
Its not like they are testing 5 year olds. School drug testing usually involves high school athletes. At that age, no matter how diligent the parent, kids do get away with stuff. If they need to randomly test to keep the competition fair and the kids safe, then test. I’d rather my kid be tested and pass than not be tested and die from some stupid drug he’s taking to perform better on the field.
References :
I’m both for and against the idea.
I’m a teacher and I know that before any of the kids participate in school sport, they’re drug tested. No ifs ands or buts. About 2-3yrs ago, the school tried to pass a rule saying that they could randomly test any kid anytime for drugs, especially before joining a school sport/club but nearly 75% of parents and staff were against it.
I can see why it would be benefical. Like the first answerer said, it could help someone. It also would be an easy way out for kids to say no if they were afraid to do so and keep kids away from drugs for the fear of getting tested at any time.
But on the other hand, I’d rather the school pay for new books so that every kid can actually have one, computers, supplies etc rather than drug testing. Teach the teachers what to look for when it comes to symptoms of drugs and test kids before they try out for something physical. In a way, you’re saying that everyone is guilty of taking drugs and you need to prove your innocense by taking a drug test.
Just my opinion.
Best Wishes
edit: I’m not saying YOU think they’re all guilty lol. Sorry. I’m refering to the school. At home, when my kids are teens, I’d spend the extra money for it to be checked when they went to to the doctor for check ups/sick. No biggy.
References :
teacher, mom of 4
why do you drug test a child?
References :
I’m all for drug testing children if there is any reason to believe that they are high or have been recently. It is perfectly fair to test athletes for drugs, otherwise the game is unfair. For example, my school requires all student athletes to pass a drug test before they can play in a game. I’m 16 and a clean junior, if it helps…
References :
Based on the latest statistics most people who start using drugs do so in their early teens. The average starting age for heroin in many cities in the UK is just 15, and a survey of over 20,000 UK school children showed that 9% of 13 year olds and over a quarter (27%) of 15 year olds had used an illegal drug at some point in their lives.
So should a quarter of parents wait until their 15 year old children are already doing drugs before taking any action?
Testing gets all the cards on the table and opens up communication – showing that you are looking out for them and offering them a valid excuse when faced by peer pressure to do drugs.
I personally went through my late teens working in a forensics lab and my regular employee drug testing helped me avoid the numerous offers of drugs I received from friends of friends and when out socialising – all without losing any credibility, etc.
Visit http://www.drug-aware.com/home-drug-tests-faq.htm for home drug testing frequently asked questions.
If you need further help / support:
In the UK, I would advise you to call Talk To Frank, the Government funded drugs / alcohol helpline on 0800 77 66 00 or http://www.talktofrank.com
In the USA, I would suggest you call Addiction Search toll free on 1-800-559-9503 or http://www.addictionsearch.com for someone to steer you in the right direction.
Visit http://www.drug-aware.com for free drug and alcohol information, testing kits, awareness, policy development and more.
References :