However, many practitioners are asking how this climate could be sustained in a school that has introduced a programme of random drug testing for pupils.
There is no evidence that random drug testing on all pupils has any effect on drug use. So we are facing a choice between evidence-based policy and practice, as described by Ofsted and the Department for Education and Skills, or policy driven by an agenda that seeks to demonise young people and see all drugs problems being solved by testing. It's not possible to have both.
Dr Jenny McWhirter, head of education and prevention, DrugScope
We welcome your views. Please write, including address and phone number, to: The editor, Children Now, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP, or email cn.editorial@haynet.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for publication.
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