Parents urged to check children's school bags for contraband

By Kimone Witter    

 

Parents are being urged to be more vigilant in checking their children's school bags for contraband following the shooting at Ocho Rios High School in St. Ann on Monday.

 

A 12-year-old girl was shot and wounded by a 14-year-old boy who was playing with a gun.

 

Chief Executive Officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, Laurette Adams-Thomas, says the incident was very traumatic for the victim, who sustained a flesh wound to her thigh.

 

Mrs. Adams-Thomas says parents should ensure that their children and those with whom they interact are not exposed to danger. 

 

"It is imperative that parents be more vigilant about checking their children's bags before they go to school, to assist in preventing them from taking dangerous or inappropriate items with them, be it weapons, pornographic materials or drug related items. Now these things do not only put your child at risk, but can also endanger the lives of other children and teachers at the school," she warned. 

 

The CPFSA head suggested that while parents may not get the chance to check their children's bags daily, they should try to do so regularly and randomly, which should help in deterring children from trying to sneak these items to school. 

 

The female student wounded at Ocho Rios High has been receiving psychosocial support.  

 

The boy who carried the gun to school was held by the police and remains in custody.