Idaho Schools Plan Nicotine Testing

Cassia County School District is making plants to test their student athletes for nicotine use. 20% of Idaho teenagers use tobacco illegally.

The student athletes are already undergoing mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

Cassia County School District Superintendent Gaylen Smyer stated that when "the athletes make the team they will be randomly tested throughout the season. When the athletes are randomly tested 50% of the tests will check for the presence of nicotine."

The school district will use the data received from the random tests to further document cigarette use among teenagers. Offending teens shouldn't receive as severe punishment for positive tests since nicotine is not an illegal drug like marijuana or cocaine. However, it is illegal of children under the age of 18 to posses nicotine, so it should be taken seriously and the matter handled proactively with counseling and support.

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Drug Tests Work in Cumberland County

Cumberland County, NC high school students have been subjected to random drug testing for two years. All students who participate in extracurricular activities are expected to submit to the random tests throughout the school year.

One parish was tested in the first year of the program. Last year, the number of students tested nearly doubled. And the good news, only 5 positive results were returned of the 17 total positives from the parish on the second year of testing.

It seems, students there are getting the message. It is good news for school districts considering similar programs. Recently, hundreds of counties across the county have implemented random drug testing programs with the belief that it will deter drug use. Some citizens believe it is an invasion of privacy, but most school authorities feel it is in the best interest of the students.

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