Things certainly are not getting any easier in high school. Restrictions are tougher, kids seem to be getting tougher and there is little if no trust on the part of school officials and administrators.
In some parts of the country students suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at prom and other school events will soon be subjected to a breath test.
There is no doubt that each year some students have shown up to dances intoxicated.
What They test With
A PBASD [passive breath alcohol sensor device] enables school district staff to check an approximate alcohol level quickly and efficiently without requiring the pupil’s active participation,” according to the draft policy.
The handheld device identifies alcohol on a person’s breath and in the air, according to the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association website. It is similar to a Breathalyzer test.
The device could be able to be used before, during and after dances, athletic events, proms, class trips, drama productions, graduation ceremonies and school assemblies, among other school activities and events.
Ideally, a principal or another designated person would be given permission to have students be randomly tested, for instance, allowing the testing of every fourth student entering an event.
The device could also be used if there’s reason to believe a student is under the influence on school grounds or at a school function.
If the student is found to be under the influence of alcohol, another screening would be done, according to the draft policy. If the student fails the test again, the incident would be reported to the principal or designated person and the school nurse or the school physician.
The cost of the device is still an unknown. The cost of implementing them could be lead to saved lives. I am all for them testing my kids.