Drug testing your teenager may do more harm than good
The New Zealand Drug Foundation is urging caution over the latest drug detection tool to hit the market.
The latest is a $225 dollar, one-use tool that requires parents to cut between 90 and 120 strands of their child’s hair at scalp level.
Executive Director Ross Bell said that it was very important to address the issues of drug use by teenagers, but warned that drug tests are no solution.
“Drug use among young people is a complex issue, especially when coupled with typical teenage angst. A 'quick and dirty' drug test isn’t going to help anyone, and it’s likely any potential gains of drug testing will not outweigh the costs,” Mr Bell said.
“The kits are marketed to play on parents' fears and the companies who sell these tests don't provide any support. If a parent receives a drug-positive result, what then?"
The Drug Foundation says communication is the key to help parents deal with possible drug issues that their teenager might have.
“It's a two-way process and a teenager needs to know that they will be listened to and that their parents are open to hearing about what they have to say.”
“Communicating involves listening, not giving lectures or judging. Buying a $225, one-off hair cut test and forcing a teenager use it is, from the outset, a judgemental act,” Mr Bell said.
The Drug Foundation recommends that parents:
- Use open questions that don't sound like interrogations,
- Listen carefully without being judgemental,
- Be clear and honest about feelings while remaining calm and reasonable,
- Respect their child's privacy,
- Support and encourage positive behaviour by not focusing on negatives.
Parents of teenagers can contact the Drug Foundation for a free copy of a drug information booklet Drugs in Focus: A guide to alcohol and other drugs, as well as Parent Focus: Dealing with Drug issues for 9 to 14 year olds.
For a free copy contact the New Zealand Drug Foundation, phone 0800 378 474 or email admin@drugfoundation.org.nz.
To talk to someone about your or someone else’s drug use, call the Alcohol Drug Helpline - 0800 787 797.
