PARENTS SHOULD DO OWN DRUG TESTS

Joe Hadsell's editorial was right on target (Parents Help Beat Drugs,
Not Tests - Aug 26). Here's a couple of thoughts for those parents who
might endorse schools drug testing their children.

First, if you are concerned that your teen may be using drugs, why be
so cowardly as to not administer the test yourself? Why demand the
school do your dirty work? While you're at it, take the test
yourself, since the obvious lesson here is that personal testimony is
insufficient evidence of honesty.

While giving your own sample, make sure to prop a mirror in front of
you so that you can watch how ridiculous, stupid and degrading it is
to prove your integrity in such a manner.

Either you or your spouse must be present in the bathroom when the
teen's specimen is proffered. Better yet, have a neighbor they don't
know very well watch instead. This more accurately simulates what the
school is doing on your behalf.

Far better would be for you to honestly and non-judgementally discuss
drugs with your teens. The only logical reason a teen will not be
honest with adults is if they do not trust the person they are talking
to. If your relationship with your teen(s) lacks the trust for such
honest communication, then it is clear that work needs to be done. And
that work does not begin with the filling of a urine cup by either
party.

Parents who disagree with coerced drug testing of their teens need to
speak up and tell the schools to Just Say No.

Respectfully submitted,

Stephen Heath Public Relations Director Drug Policy Forum of Florida
Clearwater FL http://www.dpffl.org