High schools in various school districts have conducted research to try to demonstrate that mandatory drug testing can prevent drug use among student athletes. Mandatory drug testing already occurs at the college and professional levels in nearly every sport. Drug testing is required at the highest levels because steroids and other drugs are often used to gain a competitive advantage (Bouchard and Sprague 1). To ensure that students remain drug-free and improve their performance not only in sports, but also in the classroom, it is necessary for authorities to carry out a mandatory drug test in every high school (Issit and Newton 1). Mandatory drug testing began as early as the 1980s, when it became a regular practice in schools due to concern about drug use among youth (Lee and Walter 1). However, some believe that drug testing among high school students is unconstitutional and ineffective (Ballaro and Finley 1). Mandatory drug testing often motivates students not to use drugs; therefore, it should not be considered a “pointless exercise.” So, what is the best solution to ensure student athletes remain drug-free and live a healthy lifestyle? In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled that schools can drug test students as long as it doesn't affect them academically. More than 1,000 middle and high schools have chosen to require students to take a drug test before they can participate in after-school activities. If a student's test results come back positive for drug use, the student is usually banned from extracurricular activities until he or she participates in counseling and follow-up testing (Ballaro and Finley 2). This may seem like an effective way to stop students... middle of paper... teachers and administrators want to keep repeating the education system positive, so they have to take drug tests. Parents must also encourage their children to remain drug-free. It is common sense to continue a program that works and can help many students remain drug free (Issitt 4). Works Cited Ballaro, Beverly and Finley, Laura. “Point: Stop saying no to mandatory drug testing in schools.” Viewpoints: Mandatory Drug Testing (2013): 1-8. Bouchard, Erika and Sprague, Nancy. “Sports Drug Testing: An Overview.” Viewpoints: DrugTesting for Sport (2013): 1-6.Issit, Micah and Newton, Heather. “Counterpoint: Mandatory Drug Testing Programs Protect Students.” Viewpoints: Mandatory Drug Testing (2013): 1-7. Lee, M. and Walter, Andrew. “Mandatory Drug Testing: An Overview.” Viewpoints: Mandatory drug testing (2013):1-5.