Pubdate: Thu, 30 Dec 2004
Source: BBC News (UK Web)
Copyright: 2004 BBC
Contact:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/558
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

KENT PUPILS COULD FACE DRUG TESTS

Students at The Abbey School in Kent could be tested for drugs at
school when they return after the New Year.

 From next term 20 students every week will be selected randomly by a
computer to be tested for drugs including cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy.

The samples will be sent to a lab and results returned three days
later.

Parents have to agree to let their child be tested and so far most
have said yes. Pupils must also agree to taking part in the test.

Click here to tell us what you think about drug tests in
schools

If a student refuses to be tested, the school says it will call in the
child's parents for a chat.

Those picked to be tested will be asked to go to the sick room and
have a sample taken from their mouth - a bit like wiping a cotton wool
bud inside your cheek.

Dealers face expulsion

Students who test positive will not be expelled, but any found selling
drugs will be asked to leave.

Head teacher Peter Walker said the school decided to introduce the
drugs tests to improve the quality of life for all students.

"We do not have any bigger (drugs) problem than any other school.
There's a chance we have even less of a problem because we are so
pro-active," added Mr Walker.
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MAP posted-by: Derek