SCHOOLS DRUGS TESTS RESISTED

Drug testing is set to become a regular feature in schools after the
Education Laws Amendment Act was passed by parliament at the end of
December.

Though pupils are targeted as customers by drug dealers and addiction
and drug-related violence and crime are spiralling out of control,
there has been resistance to the law.

Professionals in the substance abuse trade are some of the people less
enthusiastic about the Act. They are concerned about infringing on the
individuals' constitutional rights and the validity and integrity of
testing procedures.

Daphne Bradbury, former head of the South African Institute for Drug
Free Sport, and an internationally recognised expert in drug testing
policy, said: "Schools must source reliable and accurate quality
testing equipment and develop and document a workable drug policy.
Ethical and effective drug testing procedures must be read, understood
and complied with by everyone involved in the testing programme."

This would bring about confidence and consistency and protect the
fundamental rights of the pupils and the person conducting the test.

"It is also important that the school gets buy-in from all the
roleplayers, and reassures them that the anti-drug programme should be
regarded as an effort to promote a drug-free and safe environment for
everyone who attends the school."