Little Evidence that Random Drug Testing in Schools Works, say Doctors

The British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) has published an editorial paper arguing that the current trend of random
testing in schools is a poor method of both identifying and supporting children who use illicit drugs.



Authors Clare Gerada, director of the RCGP Substance Misuse Unit, and Eilish Gilvarry, consultant psychiatrist in addiction,
Centre for Alcohol and Drugs Studies, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, say there is little evidence that random testing prevents drug use
in those that have not started, or deters those already engaged in drug taking.



They believe, parents and children should receive accurate and detailed information on their children's school drug policy
and any drug prevention activity that the school is engaged in. All those concerned, they argue, should be fully informed of
the problems involved with biological testing and the course of action that will be taken on the result of a test.



The authors conclude that any policy introduced in schools should at the very least involve children, parents and the wider
community in a consensus on the type of testing carried out and responses to such testing. They add that if drug testing
programmes are instituted, a supportive environment with links to young people's health services may be more appropriate.




Dr Gerada said: "I believe that the introduction of random drug testing in schools will detract us all from using effective
models of drug prevention and education. I am concerned that this type of testing may paradoxically mean that children will
hide their drug use, that drug use will be harder to detect and that this policy will foster further exclusion of our most
vulnerable young people."


The BJGP is published monthly and distributed to over 22,500 RCGP members, associates, and subscribers in more than 40
countries worldwide. Its primary purpose is to publish first-rate, peer reviewed research papers on topics relevant to
primary care.


The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is the largest membership organisation in the United Kingdom solely for
GPs. It aims to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and to act as the "voice" of GPs on
issues concerned with education, training, research, and clinical standards. Founded in 1952, the RCGP has over 22,500
members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a
discipline. rcgp




Royal College of General Practitioners

020 7581 3232

14 Princes Gate

London SW7 1PU

rcgp