Terri Taylor You and the Law Period 6 Drug Testing in Schools In today's society, drugs have been a very obvious problem. An answer can be found if people stop complaining and start testing. One of the largest areas of drug use is among teenagers and young adults. This can be the first place to take effect for a drug free environment. A mandatory drug testing for all students would be of great benefit. Drugs are responsible for many of the problems facing today's youth. Drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can become addictive and worse of all fatal. famous people such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, River Phoenix, and Kurt Cobain, have all died from drug overdoses. None of which would have ever occurred if they wouldn't have been using drugs in the first place. One would think that after the deaths of many famous people, teenagers would see just how dangerous drugs can be, but it doesn't seem to really matter. However harmful drugs can be, the teenagers will continue to do what they believe to be as cool. Mandatory drug testing may prevent this use by the fear that the students might be caught using drugs, only then does it become not quite as cool. It seems that schools would be some of the best places to start mandatory testing. This way, student's health can be monitored just as their education is. In

these days, instead of schools being seen as a basic learning facility, it can be a prime place for drug selling and contributing. Many highschool students are too young to really understand just how harmful these habits can become and that it has got to stop one way or another. The most obvious resolution is mandatory drug testing for all students. Not only will the drug testing prevent the use of drugs, it will also determine which students are using drugs and those students can be helped. Caught at an early age, with drug use, can stop a bad habit from forming that can last a lifetime. Peer pressure is a major factor in the use of drugs, with all of the students being tested, much of this would not occur before it is too late. Most likely, students would not use drugs as often. They would have a chance to mature and understand exactly what they are doing before they decide to actually do it. Issues like this appear in everyday life and from simple everyday pressures. A mandatory drug testing in schools would definitely be an advantage regarding students' health and even contribute to further their learning abilities. The first place to start ending this war on drugs is in the schools. This will keep the people of our future even more drug free. If enforced correctly, a life threatening habit can be prevented before it starts.