High school students may not like it, but more and more schools are requiring them to take breathalyzer tests to be administered before students can enter a prom, dance or other major school function, The New York Times reported Sunday.
While some students are complaining the new policies invade their privacy, the tests are a good move to cut down on underage drinking.
Alcohol, especially in excessive amounts, and teenagers are always a bad combination. Inebriation makes one more prone to automotive accidents or being the victims of crimes such as robbery, sexual assault or rape.
A 2006 study conducted by Duke University indicated that alcohol consumption also prevents the forming of new neural connections and memories, especially in adolescent brains, making it more difficult for alcohol abusers to use spatial reasoning or make good decisions.
One student interviewed by the Times said what he does off school grounds is his business and not the school’s business, but off-campus actions become the school’s business when intoxicated students could endanger themselves or others.
Although it’s nice to believe that students would be responsible enough not to show up drunk to a school function, it’s wishful thinking when even those of legal age don’t always drink responsibly.
Schools choosing to institute breathalyzers have a right and a responsibility to protect the students under their care, and breathalyzers are a legitimate way to help keep students safe at school functions.
Showing restraint regarding when and how to use alcohol is an important part of growing up, and instituting the breathalyzer tests helps students make safer, healthier decisions for themselves and gives them a strong argument to avoid peer pressure to drink. As long as underage drinking contributes to 1,900 car accident fatalities and 300 suicides annually, it is well within high school’s right, and responsibility, to help students make the right choices.
For those of us over 21, it’s a choice whether to make the right decisions on our own. The UH Wellness Center, located in the University Center Underground Room 35, offers more information about drinking responsibly and overcoming addiction.
Most of the schools instituting the new policy are located in the northeast, but the Houston Independent School District should look into starting these or other measures to ensure the safety of their students and the public at large. Until you’re 21, high schools can and should take steps to make the safe, and legal, decision for you.
