Schools to get right to conduct alcohol and drug tests on students

Czech schools should in future have the right to conduct alcohol and drug tests on students whom they suspect of alcohol or drug abuse, the internet news site novinky.cz reports. The right to conduct such tests has been incorporated into the anti-smoking legislation prepared by the health ministry. Experts have welcomed the move since Czech children are at the top of the European ladder in alcohol and drug abuse with some indulging in alcohol from the age of twelve. The drug tests –aimed predominantly at marihuana –will be saliva-based. Presently teachers need written consent from parents to conduct such a test.