Checks of school bags allowed under the Education Act – FBC News

(File photo)

The Permanent Secretary for Education may authorize sampling of students’ school bags under the provisions of the Education Act 1966.

However, PS for Justice, Selina Kuruleca, says they are currently seeking legal advice from the Solicitor General’s office on what would be considered intrusive and non-intrusive when conducting these spot checks.

She was responding to questions at the annual ODPP conference about whether authorities have the power to conduct bag checks for illegal substances or other materials.

PS for Justice, Selina Kuruleca

Kuruleca says that during her time at the Ministry of Education, she often faced backlash from parents whose children’s bags were randomly checked.

“We’ve had parents call us and say, ‘How dare you do this?’ And I have always responded with this statement: The purpose of the spot check – simply opening the bag and checking – is to keep your child safe.”

She added that several schools in Suva are conducting random checks every day and parents have since understood the reasons behind this action.

Kuruleca says the police K9 unit is not always available for these checks due to limited resources, but they have agreed to be present at all major sporting events.

“Whether it concerns basketball, hockey, rugby or athletics, this is where the child can get access to drugs.”

She emphasizes that while not all children are involved in drug-related activities, it remains crucial for parents to talk to their children about the dangers of illegal activities.