School districts, much like employers, have begun to implement drug-testing
policies. Many school officials cite statistics relating to school performance
and safety among drug users.

Whether the drug testing acts as a method of
screening students or as a method of deterrence from drug use, the popularity of
this practice has increased significantly in many school systems.

Supporters of high school drug testing often cite governmental statistics. These
numbers show a steadily growing number of teenage drug users each year. Those in
favor of mandatory drug testing suggest that such measures may be effective in
keeping teenagers from using drugs.

Fear of facing expulsion from school or
punishment from their parents may be a good deterrent for high school students.

Although some officials would like to see a policy of mandatory testing of every
student, most drug screenings require parental consent. Most schools require
that there be probable cause or reasonable suspicion before requesting a drug
test.

If a teacher notices a student who appears aloof or has red and glassy
eyes, he or she may request a drug test.

More common than random or
suspicion-based high school drug testing is the testing of high school athletes.
In nearly every school district, students who wish to compete in school sports
must sign a release for a drug screening.

This has become common in schools
because of statistics showing that male high school athletes have a greater risk
of drug abuse. These facts, accompanied by the fear of injury during
competitions, have fueled the debate and existence of drug testing among
athletes.

Opponents of drug testing claim that it is a violation of
privacy to require students to take drug tests. Privacy advocates suggest that
with requests for mandatory drug screenings comes the potential for abuse.

A
few cases have existed in which a student was randomly searched and found to be
in possession of drug paraphernalia. In these cases, the students were either
suspended from school or sent to drug rehabilitation centers; it is often the
case that these students were productive in school and were not necessarily
considered to be problem students.

Regardless of these isolated cases, many
school districts defend the benefits of drug testing. Although formal statistics
do not prove the theory, many educational experts believe that high school drug
testing deters students from using or abusing illegal drugs.