Every student now has to take a breathalyzer test before major dances.

The policy came about after administrators had a wake-up call two years ago.

"We had a prom out of town and kids drove. We felt very sad because some of the students took advantage and a couple had alcohol with them," said Superintendent Fred Burns.

After that, the district started making students take breathalyzer tests before prom. Now, they've expanded that policy to all major school dances.

"We don't want to single anyone out. We want this to be done scientifically. If someone tests negative, we're happy," Burns said.

If a student fails the test, Burns said they will be taken to the police department and could be charged.

Burns said most parents appreciate the action and some have called the school to say thank you. But not everyone agrees. On the community blog website Toronto In Focus, a person who calls herself Laura wrote, "In my opinion, this is a sad situation resulting in further loss of innocence and only the beginning of treating our kids like criminals at school."

Burns said he believes the safety measure is a must and the rules against alcohol may even help students steer clear of peer pressure.

"We can't control what happens after the prom, but everyone knows when the prom ends, then it's up to the parents to decide if they have enough faith in their children and what kind of action they need," he said.

He said the school district purchased more than 200 mouthpieces for the tests at a cost of about $65, a cost he said is well worth it.

Sound Off: Share Your Thoughts