DRUG TESTS AREN'T ENOUGH

The Conway School District is doing the right thing in instituting random
drug testing, but it is not the only thing that needs to be done.

The random testing among students in grades 7 through 12 involved in
extracurricular activities is just one of the many steps that needs to be
taken protect young people in the school system.

School board President Dr. Terry Fiddler was correct when he talked about
no one being 100 percent right or wrong on this issue. It was obvious that
school board members wrestled with what to do, and the decision by each of
the seven individuals was not made lightly or without taking into account
the thoughts and feelings of patrons and parents.

Discussing the subject with anyone showed how strong the feelings were that
people had on the subject. There is little middle ground. People were
strong in their support or opposition on drug testing, and it provided
board members with an incredible amount of feedback.

Drug testing has to be part of an overall drug education and prevention
program. Students of all ages, but particularly those in elementary school,
need instruction on the dangers of drugs, the pitfalls of using, and the
short-term and long-term consequences.

Educating students on the physical and psychological implications of drug
use is needed to show children what can happen to their bodies and minds.

They have to know how drug use can hinder their physical development, hurt
their ability to learn and create family and societal problems.

The education also must cover the legal consequences of drug use. Our jails
and prisons are full today because of drugs. The number of drug-related
offenses our court system must deal with is staggering, and once
individuals start down this road, it is hard to get off it. The word
"addiction" is associated with drug use for a reason. Once a person's mind
and body are seduced by drugs, it is extremely hard -- for some impossible
- -- to ever get away.

A school district that is testing for drugs is not out to catch students.

Nothing would make officials happier than to never have a test return
positive. The schools are giving students another reason to say no. The
education they receive in the classroom, at home and in other positive
settings is how they can get the data to make a knowledgeable decision to
reject drugs, and the possibility of a drug test is another reason to
refuse if someone offers drugs anyway.

There are students who would never consider taking drugs no matter what the
circumstances, and there are others, sadly, who will succumb to the
pressure. By educating all students, and encouraging further education on
the subject at home, the school district may be able to steer those in the
middle and some of those on the edge away from drugs.

The fact that drug testing is needed in our schools is sad, but it would be
sadder still to refuse to see that there is a problem, and the testing and
education are important ways to get the message across to young people.