Mandatory Drug Test for Students Debate: Reasons For and Against

Many nations in the world, especially the Philippines, continue to fight against illegal drug use, abuse, and addiction. Some do it by eradicating the supply and demand for illegal substances and intensifying the man-hunt for the pushers and manufacturers. There is a suggestion, however, to implement mandatory drug testing in schools.

But, is it an intelligent and viable solution?

The following reasons can be submitted in proposing mandatory drug testing in schools:

1. For fear of getting caught, students will stop using illegal drugs so as not to jeopardize their dream of finishing a course.

2. The program is a good campaign to increase students’ awareness on the dangers of taking illegal drugs.

3. Students who will come out positive in the drug test will be given a chance to rehabilitation. The main purpose of mandatory school drug testing therefore is not to catch the young people using drugs, but to prevent their further use of illegal substances.

4. The proposal is well-timed. Students’ age is crucial. Once teenagers begin using drugs, it is much harder for them to break their addiction if they will not be rehabilitated as soon as possible.

On the other hand, the following reasons can be put forward to oppose mandatory drug testing in academic institutions:

1. The proposal is constitutionally very problematic. It will violate the students’ rights against self-incrimination and unlawful searches and seizures, as well as the right of the minors to be protected and the principle called presumption of innocence.

Anti-drug measures should also be fully compliant with international and constitutional standards upholding, promoting, and protecting the rights of the child.

2. The proposed program will be costly on the part of the Government which finances the public schools.

3. Addressing the endemic problem on drug addiction should be focused on the institutional roots of the problem (e.g. ineffective policing, drug pushers’ connections to officials, and corruption) not on the potential and most vulnerable victim of the drug menace: the children.

4. The program has been selectively implemented by some private schools. But there is no conclusive evidence to show that drug tests in schools were successful in discouraging drug abuse … continue reading

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