Pubdate: Mon, 08 Mar 2004 Source: Flint Journal (MI) Copyright: 2004 Flint Journal Contact: http://www.flintjournal.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/836 Author: Chad Swiatecki Related: http://www.cityofdearborn.org/news/freedrug.htm Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) Drug Tests Not Wise, Teens Say Genesee County The idea of parents purchasing drug-testing kits from high schools is an overzealous attempt to curb youth drug use, some area high school students said. "I have a big problem with a school offering testing kits because school issues and home issues should be kept separate, and this goes too far," said Lauren Powers, 18, a senior at Grand Blanc High School. "If a school has a problem with a student using drugs, they should take care of it, and if a parent thinks something is going on, it's their job to do something. I suppose it's a good threat for parents to use, but that doesn't seem like good parenting." Powers' comments are in reaction to news that Davison High School and Davison-area police stations began selling low-cost drug testing kits to parents concerned that their child might be using drugs including alcohol, marijuana, Ecstasy and prescription medications. Davison is the first school district to offer the kits in a school building, but David Prichard, the owner of TDS Inc., which is providing the kits to Davison and 25 other communities in Michigan, said other districts likely will follow suit. "I think the approach in Davison represents what's going to be happening over the next few years as far as schools and drug prevention," Prichard said. "Most schools will help spread the word that the kits are available through local police, but the issue is becoming so intense that the schools can't hide it anymore." Davison sold a dozen kits before the new effort was officially launched last week, and police in Macomb County's Chesterfield Township sold 10 in the first week of its program. Police Officer Becky Pollack, a school resource officer for Chesterfield Township's two school districts, said offering the kits at school will make it easier for parents to see if their drug concerns are justified. "People are usually apprehensive to come to a police department and talk to an officer about drug problems with their kids, so it's great for a district to be so involved," Pollack said. "Here we leave it to the parents to inquire about what's available to them, but if what (Davison) does saves one kid and helps a family regroup, then it's done its job." Still, some students question the lasting effects of a suspicious parent armed with a urine cup. "It's good if parents didn't know what means (to test) were out there, but it might lead some to overreact and be too suspicious," said Torie Dorman, 17, a junior at Flushing High School. "If you don't have a problem, it's a way to prove that your parents are wrong, but what does it say when you aren't using drugs and your parents accuse you and want you to take this test?" - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake