Mandatory reporting: A youth-proposed bill would require schools to disclose student drug use to guardians

The Nevada Youth Legislature is a program intended to engage students in the legislative process. High school students appointed by state senators propose, draft and advocate for legislation, gaining hands-on experience in public policy.  

The program also provides opportunities to collaborate with government officials and address issues affecting Nevada’s youth. Since the establishment of the NYL in 2007, the Legislature has reportedly passed seven of its nine proposed bills. 

The 2023-2025 youth legislators (disclosure: I am among them) have proposed a bill that would require staff members of schools to report to a parent or guardian when a student is suspected of using nicotine or other substances. (As of press time, the bill had not yet been posted online due to amendments being added.) While the bill is still in the revision phase, Valerie Wiener—a retired state senator and chair of the NYL board—explained its intent: “With educators identifying the questionable behaviors related to these unhealthy and illegal choices, the impact of meaningful conversations and new options with people the youth trusts can create positive, life-altering shifts for the youth and can also have a significant ripple effect involving other youth.” 

Scott Gorsuch, a former teacher at Damonte Ranch High School and current teacher at Sage Ridge School, likes the idea. 

“I agree with the intention of the bill and that parents and guardians should always be informed when an educator, teacher or administrator believes a student is abusing nicotine or other substances,” Gorsuch said.  

He sees value in strengthening the requirements to ensure consistent action. “It would be good to mandate it,” Gorsuch said. “However, the reporting to parents and guardians is only as good as the enforcement that the parents and guardians decide to use, or the help they decide to give.” 

He pointed out that students often engage in these behaviors to fit in socially, potentially setting the stage for more dangerous habits. He noted that teachers can spot signs of substance, such as frequent coughing or watery eyes. 

Simryn Desai, a senior at Reno High School who said she does not use nicotine or other substances, is skeptical about how effective the bill would be.  

“A lot of nicotine users already know the negative consequences of using nicotine and vaping,” she said. “Usually, they use it because of some other circumstances going on in their life.”  

Desai believes the focus should shift toward addressing the root causes of substance use, such as stress, mental-health issues or peer pressure. She suggested integrating discussions about addiction and emotional well-being into early education to prevent nicotine use before it begins. 

Desai is also concerned about the potential consequences of involving parents or guardians.  

“Students can come from rough households, and informing their guardians about their nicotine use can make the condition in their house worse for them,” she said. Desai worries that this could lead some students to further rely on substances as a coping mechanism. She would like to see schools work to make mental-health issues and addiction less taboo. 

A junior from Galena High School who uses nicotine spoke to the RN&R on the condition of anonymity, to avoid possible repercussions.  

“Due to varying parental situations, I believe that telling parents about a kid’s nicotine addiction can be quite harmful and do more harm than good,” the student said. “Instead, I would propose that school counselors be notified or that a child is referred to a therapist or a doctor.” 

While students can access school counselors without any prerequisites, in most cases, a child cannot be referred to a therapist or doctor without parental consent. However, pursuant to Nevada Revised Statue 129.050, a minor in Nevada can consent to medical care or counseling for conditions related to substance abuse. While providers are encouraged to notify parents or guardians, the law allows providers to administer these services without parental consent if alerting parents would jeopardize the minor’s treatment or health. 

“Some parents may view the addiction as a threat,” the student added. “Instead of helping the student overcome the barrier, they might just make the student’s mental health and situation worse.”