As prevalence increases, Boards of Education nationwide are faced with the dilemma of whether or not to implement randomized drug screening programs. There are many considerations they face prior to implementation.

1. Employee Screening Services | (417) 887-7697 | yourdrugtesting.com
Discover more great content here:
https://twitter.com/yourdrugtesting
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Employee-Screening-Services/233317806842724
http://www.pinterest.com/yourdrugtesting
Randomized Drug Screenings in Our High Schools
The use of drugs in America’s high schools has plagued school districts for decades.
Unfortunately, students continue to have access to highly abused
medications and illicit drugs. According to the national Youth Risk
Behavior Survey (YRBS), on- and off-campus marijuana use among
students in grades 9 through 12 has continued to rise from 1991 to
2011. As prevalence increases, Boards of Education nationwide are
faced with the dilemma of whether or not to implement randomized
drug screening programs. There are many considerations they face
prior to implementation.
Some researchers believe that random drug screenings target those students who are actively
involved in extracurricular activities. Students who participate in athletic and other school-
sponsored activities outside of the traditional school day are more prone to frequent testing,
since they are considered to be representing the school and its district when attending off-
campus events in the community. Studies show that these students are actually less likely to
experiment with alcohol and other substances, as their time is often consumed by academics
and extracurricular events. Unfortunately, students who are less likely to be tested are those
who are not involved in activities outside of the classroom and subsequently have more time to
experiment with substances at the end of the school day.
There are benefits to conducting drug tests at the high school level. One distinct advantage to
randomized drug screenings is that school officials aren’t out to just punish and suspend drug
users. Surprisingly, the notion to implement random screenings is to promote drug use
prevention and attach a negative stigma to drug use in its entirety. Schools would rather offer
screening services and provide adequate education and prevention techniques to ensure
students develop healthy behaviors early on, which can drastically reduce the potential of
engaging in risk-seeking behaviors later in life.
If that’s not moving enough, consider a student’s ability to develop the self-confidence to stand
their ground and decline drugs by simply saying, “No.” By implementing a random screening

2. Employee Screening Services | (417) 887-7697 | yourdrugtesting.com
Discover more great content here:
https://twitter.com/yourdrugtesting
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Employee-Screening-Services/233317806842724
http://www.pinterest.com/yourdrugtesting
program, students may be more inclined to avoid drug use and remain drug-free with the
knowledge of potentially being tested. In essence, the thought process behind implementing
these screening programs is to promote a drug-free environment, increase students’ self-
confidence and morale, as well as identify students who need assistance and ensure they
receive adequate intervention for a healthy, successful future.
Those considering a random drug testing program and want more information are encouraged
to visit www.youtdrugtesting.com or call (417) 887-7697.