Many high schools are now performing random testing to keep kids off drugs and alcohol. Alcohol high school testing is gaining popularity. Even employers are using more sophisticated tests such as drug follicle hair testing to ensure they are getting the best, most reliable employees. But, what about in our own homes? Is it the right choice there too?

At home drug and alcohol tests can be purchased online and performed at random. They vary in price and can be found at many different places. If you are a parent you are always worrying. Would this type of test stop that worry? Some adults say that they like the idea of a random test on their children. Their argument is that there is already random testing being done at work so why not perform the same tests at home. Others argue that the test should not be necessary because parents should have an open line of communication with their children.

One big problem that exists with the in home drug testing is that it can often show a false negative or a false positive. The testing done with these kits is not in line with the guidelines followed by professional medical organizations. It would be painful to accuse a child of drug use when the test shows a false positive or feeling a sense of security if the test shows a false negative. Another problem is that most of the tests won’t show the type of rug used and may not help diagnose a more serious drug abuse problem.

While many may feel this is an acceptable thing to impose upon adolescents, there are some who strongly disagree. The flip side says that it may end up damaging the parent-child relationship because kids may feel a sense of violation, mistrust and even less of a desire to communicate with their parents. The relationship between parent’s and their adolescent children is often tenuous at best. Perhaps it is best not to do anything that would harm that already delicate balance.

As with random high school testing, at home testing may help to relieve some of the peer pressure associated with youth. It may be an easy out or kids when asked if they want to participate in alcohol or drug use. They can simply say that they have random drug testing at home so they can risk their parent’s finding out. Plus it may show some kids how much their parents really care for them. While some feel it may hinder communications, others say that it will make children open up and understand how much their parents are interested and involved in all aspects of their lives. Perhaps it would give children a boundary they need.

As parents struggle to develop a productive, trusting relationship with their adolescent, they may look to many different methods in which to do that. Each child is different and each home situation is different. While the in home testing may be right in some cases in will not be right in others. While the answer about if and when to use these tests is ambiguous at best, it is certain that schools and employers will continue to utilize such tests more and more in the future.