DRUG TESTING LIKELY TO FAIL THOSE TEENS IT SEEKS TO HELP

The U.S. Supreme Court has backed the use of random drug tests for middle
and high school students who participate in extracurricular activities. But
the court's approval should not inspire more schools to adopt this
practice. It could do more harm than good.

The court's overriding concern for the "safety and health" of students is
admirable. No responsible adult wants young people to use or abuse drugs
illegal or otherwise. Writing a concurring opinion expressing that
concern, Justice Stephen Breyer said he hopes drug testing will reduce peer
pressure and that it ". . . offers the adolescent a nonthreatening reason
to decline his friend's drug-use invitations."

But, as Breyer's words suggest, the ruling was joined by well-intentioned
grown-ups who have no idea how life is lived in the nation's schools.

First off, drug testing is expensive and doesn't always work. In addition
to producing many "false positives" that could stigmatize an innocent
student, there is a booming cottage industry that has grown up around ways
to circumvent widely used drug tests. Ask any teenager with an Internet
connection.

Drug testing also creates a false sense of security. While billions have
been spent vainly fighting the war on drugs in the streets and in American
classrooms, the most popular "drug" for teenagers isn't marijuana, cocaine
or Ecstasy. It's alcohol.

In the 1998 Oklahoma case that prompted the court's latest ruling, 505
students were screened for illegal drugs; three tested positive. None,
however, were tested for booze, although studies show binge drinking is an
increasingly widespread youthful pastime.

Not limited to student athletes, the court's ruling could affect every
student who sings in the glee club, signs up for the band, twirls a baton
or raises prize hogs with the Future Farmers of America. If students refuse
to submit to drug screening, they could be barred from participation.

More than 7 million students nationwide take part in extracurricular
activities. Research shows that those activities help prevent drug use
among teens.

But for the rare student who is an athlete or choir member but also a drug
user, the contact with a coach or choir director offers the opportunity for
support and treatment. Teachers who work closely with kids in after-school
activities get to know them well (and can tell if a kid is on drugs). The
student who believes he cannot confide in a parent may confide in one of
those teachers.

However, a drug-using student is unlikely to join an extracurricular
activity if he faces a urine test. Why join the French Club if it means
facing the Spanish Inquisition?

Not only does drug testing single out the wrong group of students, but it
also teaches a dangerous civics lesson about how easily our most cherished
Constitutional rights can be compromised.