Pubdate: Thu, 23 Jun 2005
Source: East Anglian Daily Times (UK)
Copyright: 2005 Archant
Contact:  http://www.eadt.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/913
Author: Juliette Maxam
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PARENTS BACK SCHOOL'S DRUG TESTING PLAN

PARENTS have given their support to a secondary school's plans to 
introduce random drug testing of children.

Colne Community School, in Brightlingsea, could now bring in the 
scheme in September after questionnaires were sent to parents last month.

Yesterday, principal Terry Creissen said more than 90% of parents who 
responded were in favour of the proposed scheme, which would cost 
about AUKP10,000 a year to run, with funding hopefully through sponsorship.

Governors will make a final decision about whether to give the 
go-ahead later this month and, if so, the first drugs tests will be 
taken in September. Students will also be surveyed about the issue.

Mr Creissen said some parents responded either by saying they did not 
know there was a drugs problem at the school or by branding it a 
cheap publicity stunt.

He said: "There's a big drugs problem with young people. We happen to 
deal with young people. About 3% of our students will be dealing or 
taking drugs in school A- 3% is too many. If drugs testing stops one 
child it's good news."

He added: "By saying what we are doing, people are saying: 'That's 
the drugs school.' They're wrong A- this is the anti-drugs school. We 
are not prepared to allow children with the issue of being foisted 
with the problem."

Mr Creissen said random drugs testing at school gave children the 
excuse to turn down drugs at a party or wherever.

The process, which would be carried out by an outside company, would 
involve a saliva sample which is tested for drugs including cannabis 
and amphetamines.

Testing would only be carried out with the agreement of parents and 
pupils. The school would monitor the performance and behaviour of any 
students who test positive.

A pupil would not be excluded for failing a drugs test, but could be 
expelled if his or her behaviour or performance deteriorated to an 
unacceptable level.

Mr Creissen said he has in the past excluded a student for bringing 
drugs to school.

He added: "I worry about heads who say there's no drugs issue in my 
school. Those people are either extremely ignorant, stupid or downright liars."
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MAP posted-by: Beth