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AAP opposes school-based drug testing due to lack of proven effectiveness
The AAP recently published a policy statement stating that the organization opposes widespread implementation of school-based drug testing programs due to a lack of evidence of the programs’ effectiveness.
“Although any reduction in student drug use is beneficial, it is questionable whether school-based drug testing is the best use of limited resources,” Sharon Levy, MD, MPH, FAAP, chairperson of the AAP’s Committee on Substance Abuse, and colleagues wrote.
Sharon Levy
In addition to misusing limited resources, the AAP is also concerned that school-based drug testing could potentially breach students’ privacy, result in suspension or expulsion following a positive test result, increase dropout or absence rates or increase use of drugs not detectable by school-based testing.
As a result, the AAP recommends the following:
- Pediatricians should advocate for substance abuse prevention programs in schools and support the development of intervention programs and referral systems for adolescents with substance use disorders;
- Schools should offer school-based services for adolescents with substance use disorders; and
- Schools and school districts that choose to implement school-based drug testing consider and monitor the program for potential adverse effects, including decreased sports participation, breach of confidentiality, increased use of substances not included in testing and an increased number of students facing disciplinary action.
“The AAP supports effective substance abuse services in schools but opposes widespread implementation of drug testing as a means of achieving substance abuse intervention goals because of the lack of evidence for its effectiveness,” Levy and colleagues wrote. – by Amanda Oldt
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
