Drug use and abuse amongst students has been a raging issue in the U.S. with a rising number of high schoolers taking illicit drugs as per surveys. It is a major cause of concern for parents, teachers and administrators who handle numerous students each day. Studies have shown a gradual decline in the consumption of illicit drugs among minors and teenagers due to school drug testing. However, the process can not only be costly but has also been at the receiving end of multiple controversies and legal issues. If you are a parent worried about your high schooler, you need to be familiar with drug testing policies at your school, if it is allowed and the consequences of your child failing one.
Legalities involved in student drug testing
School drug testing essentially involves urine tests that screen for drugs like Cocaine, Marijuana and Amphetamines. As per legal concerns go, random drug testing can only be conducted on students going for competitive sports and state-level extracurricular activities. However, student drug testing rules may vary depending on who needs to be tested and the consequences of the drug tests as well.
Leaders of drug prevention programs and school administrative boards claim that these drug testing programs discourage individuals from developing a dangerous addiction at a young age. However, there is very little evidence to support this theory. Opponents are of the opinion that school drug testing violates an individual’s right to privacy. It also goes against the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable search and seizure.
What you should do if you are against random student drug testing
If you are against school drug testing policies that your child’s school has implemented, there are two very important things you need to take into consideration:-
- Is it legal?
- Is it in your school’s and your child’s best interest if it is legal?
There are many things you can do to combat a recently enforced drug testing policy. Some of them are:-
- Know your rights: It is natural to be uncomfortable if a drug testing policy is being infringed upon someone, especially high school kids. As a student or a parent of a high schooler, you have every right to be vocal if you are against drug testing. One important thing to keep in mind is that a school can only implement drug testing policies on athletes and the student body if they have reasonable suspicion.
- Be Proactive: You need to proactively take action and learn more about the school policies. Ask for a written policy from the school administrators. Learn more about who created the policy or talk to your principal about it. One important thing to keep in mind is that a drug testing policy in schools needs approval from the Board of Education.
- Seek help: If you are a student who is opposed to drug testing policies, the first thing you should do is tell your parents. Talk to a supportive teacher or a friend about it as well. Submit a signed opposition petition to the school or contact the local press to cover this story. You can also contact your local PTA and raise your concerns.
Affordable Rapid Testing is your go-to option for all forms of drug testing
Drug testing in any form requires parental guidance and consent if the person concerned is a minor. With that being taken care of, the second thing to worry about is the reliability of the testing service and the accuracy of the test. Affordable Rapid Testing, Arizona has dedicated testing centers in Phoenix and Scottsdale. As a one-stop destination for all testing needs, they offer hassle-free and 100% accurate test results in the quickest time possible. To know more about Affordable Rapid Testing, you can check out their official website.
