|
Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
|
|
UK: Random drugs testing in school
The Journal (Newcastle)
Tuesday 05 Oct 2004 Random drugs tests are set to be introduced into schools in a new crackdown on classroom abuse. Eighteen schools in the region have contacted a new supplier to ask for information about the tests, which check saliva for traces of cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, tranquilizers and barbiturates. The tests were introduced four weeks ago and the company, Preventx, is already supplying dozens of private schools across the country. Alan Ramsey, of Preventx, said: "These tests give schools a cheap, quick proactive way to tackle drug abuse head on. "A policy of openness and cooperation between schools and parents on random drug testing could help teachers detect and prevent problems." A tester stick has to be placed in the student's mouth for three minutes. It then takes around two minutes for the reader device to register as positive or negative. The tests are designed to be used as a deterrent, with pupils and parents informed that 25 youngsters will be chosen at random to undergo the tests every month. The move came after Prime Minister Tony Blair gave headteachers the power to introduce drug testing in schools from last month for children as young as 11. But Elaine Kay, regional secretary of the teaching union NUT, said: "Most teachers do not want to get involved in testing pupils for drugs. "They do not see it as part of their role and it is potentially very damaging to their relationships with pupils and parents. "But I can understand that some heads would want to introduce testing because they want to take a tough stance against drugs and they want to be proactive."
After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.
|
This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.
Feel free to link to this page!