Although proposed testing for children would require parental consent and would be introduced at the discretion of individual headteachers, the concept still leaves many difficulties. Critics believe the proposed tests would make it difficult to maintain the trust of children, when they are trying to be mentors and supporters of children as well as educators.
It would have a negative impact on drug education programmes, driving any use further underground.
Added to this is the uncertainty that random testing actually has a positive effect on tackling drug use where it exists in other settings - prisons, for example.
Yet while drug education in schools has to date had major successes, with many children now informed of the relative risks and dangers of a range of drugs - simultaneously we cannot ignore the bare fact that more needs to be done. Drug use is both illegal and harmful and we need to continue to maintain a proportionate and effective response that meets the needs of schools and children alike.
Vivienne Evans, chief executive at Adfam, believes it is essential parents are involved with any drug education at schools or childcare setting from the outset: "Parents need to be able to talk credibly to their children about drugs issues and ensure that communication routes are kept open - they can only do this if they themselves are informed and offered support".
Local projects often lead the way in how we can improve links with parents.
For instance, Cheshire Police runs the Insight programme, providing parents with knowledge to enable them to respond to drugs issues; Thurrock Council has issued the Family Factfile to all parents of secondary school children to impart crucial knowledge and build confidence so parents can discuss issues with their children at home, encouraging them to seek help if needed; and in Peterborough, the City Council and the Drug Action Team have joined services to launch FRANK - a major drugs education campaign that aims to educate parents alongside children.
Drug taking is a complex and difficult issue for teachers, parents and children, and is hindered further by the often inaccurate and sensationalised drug stories that are common on the front pages.
This makes it even more important that parents and children are educated together so that children can get the information and help they need wherever they are - at school, at home, at play.
