PRIMARY SCHOOLS INTRODUCING RANDOM DRUG TESTING

Cannabis use among schoolchildren is forcing primary schools to
implement random drug testing, according to the School Trustees'
Association.

Speaking at the association's national conference in Christchurch this
week, an association adviser Ron Mulligan said drug tests were being
increasingly used in schools for children of all ages.

Last year there were more than 5000 student suspensions, of which 29
per cent were drug-related.

While most drug use was at secondary school level, there were
increasing numbers of primary school pupils using drugs, Mr Mulligan
told Radio New Zealand.

He said boards could either require students to produce a clean test
before letting them back into school, or reinstate them on the
condition they submit to random tests.