Most say yes to drug test

A survey conducted by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups revealed that most youngsters supported the idea of introducing a mandatory drug test in schools.

From November 24 to December 15 last year, the federation interviewed 306 young people between 12 and 24 years old.

Around 70 per cent of them agreed with mandatory drug testing because they saw it as an effective way of preventing drug abuse.

Respondents who disagreed said the measure was a breach of privacy and schools had no authority to enforce it, and 34 per cent said they would feel more comfortable if the test was recommended by medical staff.

The survey also showed that young people were unwilling to turn in friends or relatives who had drug problems.

Forty-nine per cent said they would not report on their friends, and 47 per cent saying they would not turn in their relatives.