Bag checks are a must in schools to protect children from drug exploitation - Tabuya

Bag checks in schools should be made compulsory to combat the growing issue of children being exploited as drug peddlers.

This was raised by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, when asked if school bag checks should be made compulsory.

Tabuya says these children often face abuse from those who pressure them into such activities when they resist.

She says adults must take responsibility to protect children, who lack the capacity to make informed decisions in such situations.

She adds that bag checks are already used to monitor mobile phones in schools, making it practical to extend these measures to detect illicit substances.

Tabuya urged communities to prioritize the safety of children, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in providing a secure environment.