MIAMI -- Six Rockway Middle School students were taken to a local hospital Thursday afternoon when they became ill after taking a prescription medication, school officials said.

School board officials confirmed a report that six students took Xanax, a prescription drug used to treat anxiety, while in school Thursday, NBC 6's Sharon Lawson reported.

Images: Students Accused Of Taking Xanax

School officials said the students were taken to Miami Children's Hospital as a precaution. The children are expected to be OK.

The pill-popping trend is apparently taking place in middle and high schools across the state. According to a survey by the State Drug Control Policy Chief, between 2000 and 2004, the percentage of students surveyed who said they have taken depressants increased from 5 to 7 percent.

Parents said more drug control and prevention programs are needed, but that education must start in the home.

"You have to really keep an eye on the kids," said Ada Portillo, a parent. "In every school everywhere, there's a lot of drugs and it all depends on the education and the security that you give to the kids and the love. It depends on the family."

"I talk to my girls every single day and I know. I even know if the day wasn't well for them. I think parents need to take more time out of themselves for the kids," parent Daisy Barban said.

Schoolmates said the students accused of taking the pills were all boys. There is no word yet on what, if any, disciplinary action the students will face.