DRUG TEST ALL KIDS

Scheme Cuts Use

RANDOM drug testing could soon be carried out on schoolchildren.

Headteachers across England and Wales are being asked to bring in
the scheme after trials saw a drop in drug use.

It is believed the results can uncover early signs children are
getting hooked.

And experts say random tests encourage youngsters to turn down drugs
outside school if they could be checked the next day.

Peter Walker, an ex-headteacher and government consultant for the
project, said: "It doesn't cause any harm, a child still has a right
to say no, indeed so does a parent.

"It doesn't disrupt the running of the school, it's relatively cheap
to do and brings great benefits like improved performances."

Under the voluntary scheme, saliva is tested for cannabis,
amphetamines, morphine and cocaine. It costs #13 a time and results
take 20 minutes.

Pilot schemes have shown improvements in behaviour and reductions in drug use.

The Government plans come amid research which suggests around one in
four children have tried drugs by the age of 15.

But charity DrugScope has warned that testing in schools is an
"extreme measure".