OUR CHILDREN DESERVE AND NEED A SAFE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

FIRST glance, the idea of drug-testing our school students may not
seem palatable. But when we look more closely at the position we are
now in, Australians may need to rethink how we can prevent illicit
drug use among our young.

The fact is that rates of illicit drug use in Australia are higher
than other countries in the developed world. For example, the US has
lower per capita rates of amphetamine and cannabis use than we do. Its
binge-drinking rates are also lower than those of Australian
teenagers. Indeed, a recent international comparison of under-age
alcohol use, conducted by Australian and US researchers and involving
6000 children, found levels of binge drinking are up to three times
higher among Australian year 9 students compared with equivalent
American teenagers.

Given that the US is making better headway than Australia, in both
binge drinking and illicit drug use among its young people, we should
be looking more closely at what is working there. One strategy that we
have not yet tried as a preventive measure is drug-testing students.
Unfortunately, this week's Australian National Council on Drugs report
on drug testing in schools fails to mention the many successful
drug-testing programs being carried out across the US. These programs
are now carried out in more than 1200 schools with documented high
success rates in reducing drug use among students.

After implementing a student drug-testing program, Hunterdon Central
Regional High School in New Jersey saw a reduction in cocaine use by
seniors from 13% to 4% after two years. Schools in Autauga County in
Alabama experienced decreases in marijuana use from 19% to 12%. In
Indiana, 85% of schools saw an increase in drug use when testing was
suspended; drug use fell when testing resumed.

In addition, Columbia University's National Survey of American Attitudes on
Substance Abuse: Teens and Parents found that 67% of teenagers and 60% of
parents agreed that drug tests are effective in preventing teenagers from
using illegal drugs.

It should also be kept in mind that successful school drug-testing
models never punish students. On the contrary, they enlist the support
of both parents and students. They are also only one part of a
comprehensive drug and alcohol prevention, intervention and treatment
strategy for schools.

We may well ask what are the benefits. They are many, but one
significant benefit is the fact that successful models of school drug
testing have provided valid reasons for students to legitimately say
"no" when pressured to use drugs. In addition to decreased drug use,
schools recorded increased student retention rates and higher academic
achievement.

Some people may be concerned that any introduction of drug testing may
break down the trust between teachers and students. In the models
researched by Drug Free Australia, teachers are not directly involved
in school drug-testing programs. Rather, the programs are carried out
by external clinical specialists, in much the same way as how schools
arrange for the administering of flu vaccinations.

Drug Free Australia's research also indicates that testing is now
highly accurate. Internationally acclaimed drug specialist Dr Robert
DuPont, director of the Institute for Behaviour and Health in
Washington, DC, fully supports the accuracy of the types of tests
carried out in US schools. The US Government, through the Office of
National Drug Control Policy, is now funding schools to participate,
based on successful trials. It is also establishing a research
institute devoted to this prevention initiative.

Drug Free Australia is concerned that the ANCD report has not included
the latest information from these sources. The ANCD has missed out on
important evidence and research from specialists who have carried out
drug testing in a range of contexts for more than 20 years. We are
also concerned that the costs of tests quoted in the ANCD report seem
somewhat inflated, given the experience in the US and those of the
latest scientific research in Australia. It is interesting that we can
find the funding for random breath testing, roadside drug testing and
testing in workplaces to ensure a safe environments for adults. Should
we not be exploring similar possibilities for our children?

All the available evidence suggests that drug testing should be an
option for any school community that demonstrates the need to take
steps to prevent early drug use.

Jo Baxter is executive officer of Drug Free Australia.