Will drug-testing kits for university students actually improve safety?

Analysis: As the National Union of Students says more young people are being offered drug-testing kits, Eleanor Busby considers the pros and cons of the scheme

Drug-testing kits are being offered at a number of universities (Getty)

Students’ unions – whose key role is to provide support and advice to those undertaking university education – are finding it increasingly hard to turn a blind eye to drug use. More than half of students have taken illegal substances, the latest report from the NUS found – and that cannot simply be ignored.

Wellbeing is becoming a more important priority for many universities. Students are frequently given information on mental and sexual health – and now more students’ unions are seeking to introduce drug-testing kits at universities to reduce the harm caused by taking unregulated drugs.

Already some university students have been able to check what they are putting in their bodies thanks to such initiatives.