Drug tests at schools—a stitch in time

If schools conduct other health check-ups on their campus, then why not a drug screening test on the campus?

By Chada Rekha Rao

Schools conduct deworming programmes, health check-ups, eye examinations, ear screenings, dental check-ups, vaccinations, and awareness programmes because we understand that early detection and prevention protect children’s lives and future. We give Pulse Polio drops to children through nationwide campaigns, even reaching public places like railway stations and bus stops, because we believe no child should suffer from a preventable disease.

We accept these preventive measures because we know a simple truth — prevention is always better than cure.

Then comes an important question: Why not explore a scientific and responsible method to detect drug and substance abuse among school and college students at an early stage? Vaping has entered schools already.

If we can check a child’s physical health, eyesight, hearing, immunity, and nutrition, should we not also think about protecting their mental health, emotional well-being, and future from the dangers of drugs?

Drug abuse is a silent threat. It does not suddenly destroy a life; it slowly takes away dreams, confidence, relationships, education, and ambition. Then life is crippled. A child may start because of curiosity, peer pressure, stress, or influence, but gradually the substance can begin controlling their choices and behaviour.

Drugs often move through complex routes involving multiple countries before reaching their final destination: your innocent child’s school bag

Every year on 26 June, the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Lectures, campaigns, rallies, radio programmes, and awareness drives are conducted across the world. These efforts are important, but we need to ask ourselves — is awareness alone enough?

A student who dreams of becoming a doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, artist, or responsible citizen can slowly lose direction because of substance abuse. The first loss is often invisible — the loss of dreams.

The child may become isolated, withdraw from family and friends, lose interest in studies, and struggle emotionally. Behind every addiction is not only a person affected, but also a family that suffers silently.

That is why early identification matters.

Early Support

A confidential and medically supervised screening system in schools and colleges can be discussed as a preventive measure. The aim should never be punishment, fear, or humiliation. The aim should be early support, counselling, and rehabilitation.

Like any other health screening, it should be designed with safeguards — parental consent, privacy protection, qualified medical professionals, and proper counselling systems.
A child struggling with substance abuse does not need a label; they need help.

Education is not only about academic performance. Schools are places where we protect the overall development and future of children.

If we can prevent diseases through regular health measures, why should we ignore a danger that can destroy a young person’s health, happiness, and future?

The fight against drugs must begin before addiction begins.

Because one timely intervention can save a dream, a family, and an entire life.

Global Drug Network: A Threat Beyond Borders

The drug menace is not limited to one country or one community. It is a global problem involving production, trafficking networks, organised crime, and international routes.

Different regions of the world have become known for the production or trafficking of certain drugs, including synthetic drugs. The Golden Triangle region, covering parts of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, has historically been associated with opium and heroin production. The Golden Crescent region, involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, has also been a major area connected with opium production and trafficking routes.

Cocaine trafficking has been strongly linked with parts of South America, particularly countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, with illegal networks transporting substances across continents. Synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and other new psychoactive substances have created new challenges because they can be produced in different locations and distributed through international networks.

Drugs often move through complex routes involving multiple countries before reaching their final destination: your child’s school bag.

Criminal organisations use land routes, sea routes, and increasingly digital platforms to operate. This makes the fight against drugs not only a national responsibility but also an international one.
Global organisations are working together to address this challenge.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works with countries to strengthen prevention, treatment, law enforcement cooperation, and action against illegal trafficking. The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) monitors international drug control systems and supports cooperation among nations.

Countries also cooperate through intelligence sharing, border control measures, financial investigations against illegal networks, and programmes focused on prevention and rehabilitation.

However, the fight against drugs cannot be won only by arresting traffickers. It requires protecting young people before they become victims.

This is why prevention, awareness, counselling, early identification, and support systems are equally important.

The world is fighting a battle not only against substances but against the destruction of human potential. Every young person saved from addiction represents a dream protected, a family saved, and a future secured. The government should legislate for blood tests to detect substance abuse.

(The author is academician)