Doctors advice against random drug testing in schools

The American Academy of Pediatrics says random drug testing in schools may sound like a good way to keep kids off drugs, but there is little evidence it works.

In a new report, the nation's leading group of pediatricians reaffirms its stance against random drug testing, suggesting schools redirect their limited resources toward helping students either avoid or overcome drug problems.

The AAP admits teen alcohol and drug use is a big problem, but the evidence to support random testing is weak.

They say occasional testing is unlikely to catch kids who use drugs sporadically, rather than heavily.

Another issue is false-positive results, which can occur if the child is on medications for conditions such as ADHD.

You can view their report in the current issue of the journal Pediatrics.