This is the first survey that samples teachers and school principals as well as teens and parents. The study shows that teens understand the dangers. They are well aware of the widespread availability of drugs on school grounds and the harm drugs pose. For most middle and high school students in America, a drug-free school is an oxymoron. Yet many teachers and principals seem oblivious to this drug trade.
Drugs pose an equal opportunity threat to every kind of school.
The survey indicates that the social or economic status of the community where the school is located makes no difference. Nor does the percentage of minority students or whether the school is urban, suburban or rural, said the study. But, middle and high school children are crying out for help. Three fourths of them favor a zero-tolerance policy toward drugs and drug testing of student athletes. Most favor random locker searches and drug testing of all students, the study found.