Students involved in extracurricular activities and subject to in-school random drug testing reported less substance use than their peers in high schools that didn’t have drug-testing programs, according a federal evaluation of 4,700 students spread across seven states.
The study was funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, a branch of the U.S. Department of Education, and conducted by RMC Research Corporation in Portsmouth, N.H. and the Princeton, N.J.-based Mathematica Policy Research. The researchers said it’s the largest and most rigorous examination of drug-testing programs to date.
This latest research probably comes as no surprise to parents. Sure, kids are going to cut back on drug use if they know they are going to be tested at school. But what if they thought they might be tested at home?
The non-profit organizaiton NotMyKid.org, utilizes at-home drug-testing kits to help reduce teen drug use. Some may scoff at the idea of drug-testing their own kids. But, overwhelming, kids say that if they thought there was a chance they might be tested for drug use at home, they wouldn't use them.
Consider also, the great value of having a "cop out" available for your teen when confronted by peers to use drugs. "My parents randomly test me for drug use", is a great weapon to have against peer pressure.
So whether you actually use the test or not, it can be used to give your kids an "out" when in pressure situations. Drug-testing kits are cheap and can be purchased at any drug store. Just having it in your cupboard may save your child from potential use of drugs due to peer pressure.
So tell your kids you read it here. You have an out, they have an out, everyone wins! Of course, if you suspect your child is abusing drugs or alcohol you should take the matter seriously, and get the needed help. If you want excellent information on amazing programs right here in Phoenix, go to www.notmykid.org. Let's keep our kids safe, not matter who has to take the "blame".
Comments
This is a great article because my husband has insisted that we drug test our kids when they get older. I was horrified. But now that I see the statistics, I think he's right.
It also never dawned on me that my child COULD use our drug testing him as an "out" when pressured by his friends.
Thanks for such great advice!!
Thanks an article that includes statistics that confirm the fact that we keep our kids safe by "trusting but verifying".
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