Partner Article

Free Drug Testing Kits for UK Schools

Thousands of free drug testing kits are to be made available to schools as part of a drive to combat drug abuse in young people. Amid news that one in three 15 year olds have tried an illicit substance at least once, Northumberland-based Preventx are giving free products to schools across the country to help tackle the growing numbers of drug abuse among children. Schools are allowed to test pupils with parents’ consent if they have been suspected of taking and selling drugs. Public Health Minister, Melanie Johnson said: “It’s vital that we make it easier for young teenagers to get tested for drugs. By offering this service in convenient locations such as in schools or in homes, it will make it easier to detect and prevent.” In January 2005, a random drug testing programme was introduced at the Abbey School in Faversham, Kent. Headteacher Peter Walker said since introducing the testing programme, GCSE pass rates had increased and the school felt safer. Drug testing kits worth £6.99 are free to schools and parents in the UK from www.preventx.co.uk/freedrugtests.aspx. The kit can detect Cocaine (COC) Cannabis (THC) Amphetamine (AMP) and Benzodiazepines (BZO) from a urine sample.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .