Pubdate: Sat, 04 Nov 2006
Source: Manawatu Evening Standard (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2006 Manawatu Evening Standard
Contact:  http://www.manawatueveningstandard.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1057
Author: Kim Thomas
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

MORE PRINCIPALS WANT DRUG TESTS

Doctors are facing increasing pressure from principals to drug test 
students despite evidence the practice does not deter substance 
abuse, youth health experts say.

Drug misuse was the most common reason for suspensions last year, 
with almost 1500 instances recorded across the country, an Education 
Ministry report has found.

Figures also show up to 70 per cent of people will have tried 
cannabis before turning 21, with 10% using the drug weekly.

Auckland youth physician, Dr Anganette Hall, who chaired an expert 
panel on student drug testing at the Involve 06 youth conference in 
Christchurch this week, said medical professionals were being asked 
more frequently to urine test students.

However, there was no evidence from numerous international studies 
that urine testing deterred drug use.

Hall said drug testing had several negative outcomes, including 
students being suspended and alienated from help.

It was also relatively easy for students to find information on the 
internet about how to fake the tests, she said.

Principals have defended drug testing as a way of encouraging young 
people to get "clean", and say it is not about expelling pupils.

Secondary Principals' Association president Graham Young said drug 
testing was a positive way of helping students in trouble.

"There's absolutely no point in somebody coming to school with a 
brain sizzled on drugs."

This was unfair on themselves, their classmates and teachers.

Young said taking a student aside and setting goals, which might 
include a drug test several weeks away to see if they were clean, could help.

Young said schools would ask students and their parents if they would 
consider a drug test.

"It's not about what's in the law.

"Board of Trustees make decisions on what they think they need to 
keep playgrounds safe."

Young said he did not think there had been an increase in schools 
requesting drug tests from students in recent years.

The director of Christchurch's 182 Health Clinic for youth, Dr Sue 
Bagshaw, said doctors and nurses were concerned about the number of 
drug-test requests from schools.

"They often say they need it for the courts, if a young person has 
been in trouble with the law, or for evidence to suspend a young 
person, but that's not true.

"There's no legal need for it and I would rather see a student 
getting supported by their community, school and family than see them 
get suspended."

Cashmere High School principal Dave Turnbull said he used drug 
testing infrequently, but it did have its place.

"If it stops one single kid from doing drugs then it is surely worthwhile."

Turnbull said students were usually asked to give a urine sample if 
they had been found taking drugs at school.

Hypothetically, students could be asked to prove they were "clean" 
before being allowed to return from suspension.

Youth Law spokesman John Hancock said there were several legal 
concerns about student drug testing, although no-one had yet 
challenged the practice in court.

Hancock said one of the biggest legal issues was that although 
students may consent to the test, they usually did so under duress.

"Whether it is really consent is an issue if the student agrees after 
being offered an ultimatum like you can't come back to school unless 
you have a drug test," he added.

Because students, unlike workers, were legally required to attend 
school, there were civil rights issues.

These surrounding them being coerced into drug tests as a condition 
of attendance, Hancock said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman