In a recent article in the Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin, the issue of school safety is raised. In a survey conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, it was reported that "three-fourths of high school students and one-half of middle schoolers say drugs are kept, used, or sold on school grounds." As for the sale of drugs 41% of high schoolers and 18% of middle schoolers have witnessed a drug deal on their own school campus compared to 25% and 12%, respectively, who have witnessed one in their neighborhood. Thirty-five percent of teens said that drugs are the most important problem they face. Teens shouldn't be worried about drugs, but about their school work.

I think that three-fourths is a really high number of people to know that drugs are used and kept on school property. I think it is definite proof that a real problem does exist. For half of middle school kids to know that drugs are in their school environment is a pretty high number, as well. These kids are 12 and 14 years of age. I find it really amazing that that high a number could conceivable get their hands on illegal substances. I think the schools need to do something about this. Their job is to promote learning, but to also protect students. If this is such a large scale problem something needs to be done to curb it for it will surely get in the way of our mission as a society. As for the actual sale of drugs, I can truly see the 41% that exists in high schools.

I have heard in the hallways at my own school about drug deals in the student parking lot. I would like to think that drugs are not a part of my educational experience, but the reality of this is quite unreal.

I can truly relate to the low percentages in neighborhoods. The only places I have ever come across drugs is at school and at some parties. School, though, is the place where I first encountered drugs. I think this is really sad. Schools are places for learning, experiencing the positive in life, and making friends. Being a teenager is hard enough with school, sports, and homework among other things, to be worrying about drugs. Unfortunately, in the real world drugs, alcohol, and sex are things we continually have to face.

As a possible solution, I think we could more routinely or aggressively search those students who provide a "reasonable suspicion" of drug use or sale. Perhaps schools need to better enforce their current drug violation policies or hire additional personnel. This is not a problem we can ignore. We must do something for our young people.