Abuse of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and even over-the-counter drugs continues to be a major problem for todays adolescents. As this weeks Learning Resources show, some school districts, in an effort to curtail drug abuse, have implemented drug testing programs in middle and high schools. While some people support such measures as an effective strategy for preventing and treating drug abuse among teens, others contend that these programs are a violation of rights and create a climate of distrust. In this Discussion, you will consider your own opinion on this issue. Reflect on the following:
Do you think schools have the right to drug-test students? Why or why not?
Do you think drug-testing programs are an effective way of combating, and in some cases, identifying and treating, teen drug abuse? For example, do you think drug-testing programs might represent the type of adult supervision Dr. Sommers-Flanagan cites as a crucial protective factor against risky behavior in this weeks video program? Or is drug-testing simply too invasive? Explain.
If you do not agree with drug-testing programs, what methods would you recommend for curtailing adolescent drug abuse?
With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.
By Day 2
Post a description of your thoughts on the fairness and effectiveness of school drug-testing programs for adolescents. Explain why you do or do not believe school leaders have the right to implement drug-testing programs as well as why you think such measures do or do not represent an effective strategy for preventing and treating drug abuse among teens. If you do not believe drug-testing is effective, identify and explain at least one alternate strategy that you think would be effective. Be sure to use the Learning Resources to support your thinking.
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