It's speaks volumes for our modern progressive society that random drug-testing is set to be rolled out to all secondary schools in England as part of an alleged crackdown on drug use among pupils.
A Department of Health report recently disclosed that one in every 50 schoolchildren claimed to have taken cocaine and 12 per cent said that they had smoked cannabis. Overall, 19 per cent said that they had taken illegal drugs — up from 11 per cent in 1998. If this rate of drug taking accelerates at the same rate, in ten years time one if five schoolchildren will have taken illegal drugs.
Responsibility lies with the PARENTS of these children, and I believe that this "random" drug-testing scheme will not do anything to address the fundamental folly of a Government, and a society, which merely plays lip-service to "getting tough" on illegal drugs. Zero tolerance backed up with harsh punishment is the better prescription - but not one Nanny State will contemplate. After all, Government Minister's have to "relax" too...
I've got a vague feeling that drug testing in schools is one of those policies the government reannounce every couple of years to create some headlines so I'm inclined to think this is another Home Office gimmick.
Posted by: Ross | May 31, 2006 at 10:42 AM
i can tell you in all seriousness that of the druggies in scholl , only mthe silliest admit it in survey's, this figure, i would content, could be tripled.
Posted by: jaun | May 31, 2006 at 12:35 PM
It should be the parents responsibility, but the government doesn't allow the parents to apply any sanctions to their own children. So I think it is the governments fault. Unfortunately this will be used for more government interference, rather than the less that is really needed.
Posted by: Steve T | May 31, 2006 at 01:23 PM
David, someone doesn't agree with your views on drugs . . .
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/5032634.stm
My own belief is that the war on drugs has been lost and cannot be won. More creative solutions are required than simply saying harsher punishments and zero tolerance.
Posted by: Richard | May 31, 2006 at 03:25 PM
Richard,
You're sounding too defeatist! Each of us has the power to win our own personal battles against addictions and temptations and hence the war can be won if the spiritual strength of the nation is revived.
Posted by: Adrian | May 31, 2006 at 03:34 PM
Adrian
I just think that there are plenty of people out there who are not interested in the slightest in winning their own personal battles against addictions and temptations.
They have decided, rightly or wrongly, to take drugs as a lifestyle choice and the prospect of imprisonment or other punishment will not dissuade them from this.
Posted by: Richard | May 31, 2006 at 04:01 PM