A study was conducted at the University of Michigan and among all 12th graders, 12% had tried narcotics and 1% had tried heroin. This data represents the need for random drug testing in schools. It can identify students who need help and prevent others from falling into bad crowds. To keep our students and schools safe and effectively reduce teen drug use, random drug testing should be allowed in schools. First, schools with random drug testing should be implemented for student safety. According to the NYT, “90% of all NOVT students have tried marijuana and 60% have tried opiates and other pharmaceuticals” (Slotnik par. 7). If NOVT had done random drug testing, it could have detected it sooner and helped students transition away from harmful drug exposure sooner. This could also have improved the safety of the students because they would not have to turn to dangerous people to obtain the substances. They may have been hurt upon receiving these items. Additionally, among all U of M 12th graders, “…12% have tried narcotics and 1% have tried heroin.” says the NYT (Slotnik par. 11) How are we supposed to make the world of our students and children a safer place, if our students and children are dating drug dealers? Evidently, if our students were safe, they wouldn't be using drugs. As you can see, if we were to give students a drug test, we could prevent them from using drugs and have a deterrent from their use. Then they would be safer because they would not find themselves in the company of the wrong people. Implementing random drug testing in schools could be very effective in deterring students from using drugs. “Schools want to conduct random drug testing as a deterrent from drug use.” claims www.drugabuse.gov. This can be effective because students will have a good, solid excuse to say no to drugs. Without this excuse, what reason will students have to say no? Nothing. This is why it is effective and necessary. www.drugabuse.gov also reports “The purpose of drug testing is not to punish students, but to help those who need it.” in America. This can also help areas reduce crime rates by arresting future drug users. Thus, demonstrating that this course of action is potentially effective.