Children should not have to get used to seeing drug dealing near their school

Drug dealing in Helsinki’s Kaisaniemi Park is now taking place daily within view of children from a schoolyard and playground, according to opinion writer Riitta Partala.

Partala says the activity moves onto the school grounds when the school is closed. She argues that children should not have to accept drug dealing as part of their route to school, recess or play, or fear dealers during the school day.

A renovation of the park has moved the activity closer to the school and directly into children’s view, she writes. Partala asks the City of Helsinki and police what they plan to do to restore safety around the school.

She says more monitoring, or even a security guard during school hours, should be provided if necessary. But the cost should not come from school funds intended for teaching. Adults, she concludes, must ensure that children do not learn to regard open drug dealing as a normal part of the school day.