Random drug testing in schools

[摘要] Once upon a time in an address to the South East Region, which includes Kent, Al Aynsley-Green (now the Children's Commissioner) warned against persistent attempts by the popular media to ‘demonise’ teenagers. The BJGP has performed a useful service in summarising our limited understanding of the long-term consequences of screening school children randomly for traces of illicit drugs.1 The economic and workforce costs are high and there is no evidence of health gain. I was consulted (pro bono) about some aspects of the unilateral initiative in Kent. That felt to me much more relevant to symbolism about discipline and public relations (especially for the private sector participants) than related to the health of young people. This high-profile exercise took place at a time when many in the NHS were coming together, unsung, in a major effort to improve the care of young people at risk of harm from substance use (including alcohol) and to develop better treatment and rehabilitation services for dependent users.2

[学科分类] 卫生学