Drug testing in Australian schools: Policy implications and considerations of punitive, deterrence and/or prevention measures

Abstract 

Background

There have been increasing national and international calls for the introduction of drug testing as a policy measure to address harmful drug use. Such strategies have been applied in workplaces, sporting arenas, prisons and more latterly school settings. They are predicated on a belief in their efficacy in reducing drug-related harm, a need to ‘send the right’ message to potential users and to reassure the community at large that ‘something is being done.’ Rigorous examination is required of purported benefits of drug testing in schools.

Methods

A comprehensive examination was made of testing efficacy and accuracy. Australian legal and ethical issues, encompassing duty of care, rights of the child and privacy determinations, were juxtaposed with that of the United States of America.

Results

Evidence examined indicates no compelling case for the application of drug testing and that caution should be applied when considering drug testing as a drug detection and prevention strategy in the school setting.

Conclusion

While this review did not support school drug testing, there are alternative evidence-based strategies that schools can implement to prevent drug-related problems among student populations.

Keywords: Drug testing, Policy, Schools, Workplaces, Deterrence, Prevention