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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: School Launches Random Drugs Testing
James Tapsfield PA News
Wednesday 05 Jan 2005 The first random drugs testing scheme at a state school will get under way today amid criticism that it infringes civil liberties and could increase truancy. At least 10 pupils at the Abbey School in Faversham, Kent, are expected to be chosen by a computer this morning to initiate the procedure. The secondary students, aged as young as 11, will be taken to the sick room and given mouth swabs by specially-trained non-teaching staff. The samples will then be sent off to a laboratory, where they will be examined for traces of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy. The first results should be available in three days. Children who test positive do not necessarily face expulsion, but those who deal in drugs will. The scheme is the brainchild of headmaster Peter Walker, who believes it can help prevent young people falling victim to substance abuse. Recent research found almost a third of 11-15 year olds now admit to trying illicit drugs, and other schools will be watching carefully to see how the project fares. Mr Walker said: "It's taken a long time but we are finally getting started. "This school doesn't have a worse drugs problem than anywhere else. In fact, it is probably better because we are proactive. "None of the pupils will be forced to take a test against their wishes. If they refuse, we will call the parents into the school and discuss it." Mr Walker said he had written to the families of all 960 pupils asking for permission to carry out the tests, and 85% of the 701 replies had supported the measure. The aim was to carry out at least 10 tests today, but when the scheme was fully operational 20 pupils would be swabbed at random intervals during each week, he added. A summary of the findings will be released by the school every four to six weeks, and parents will be informed of their own child's results. No funds from the school budget have been used to set up the scheme. Instead, the equipment and staff training has been sponsored by a tabloid newspaper and Altrix Healthcare, the company which manufactures the testing kits. Kent County Council has welcomed the programme, calling it a "brave" step. Paul Carter, cabinet member for education, said: "Some independent schools have already started it. "I wish them luck. I support their stance. "Random drug testing is fraught with legal problems (so) we are issuing the school with helpful guidance. "I believe the tests will be a strong deterrent to youngsters dabbling in drugs at parties on the weekend." However, the plan has been criticised by drugs information charities and civil liberties groups. DrugScope chief executive Martin Barnes said there was no proof random drugs testing had a deterrent effect. "Testing risks driving drug use further underground and could result in an increase in truancies and exclusions. "There is no room for complacency, but it is important to acknowledge that the use of hard drugs among young people has fallen significantly since the 1990s and the majority do not use drugs at all. "We do not accept that testing pupils as young as 11 is a proportionate response to general concerns about drug use." Barry Hugill, a spokesman for civil rights group Liberty, said he was "unhappy" about random testing in principle. "We're not at all sure what this is going to achieve apart from turning perfectly innocent children into supposed drug abusers." Mr Hugill said people would assume children who refused tests were taking illegal substances. "If they refuse, the implication is obvious: You've got something to hide."
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