LAE POLICE CALL FOR TOUGHER ACTION AGAINST SCHOOL FIGHTS

By Martha LOUIS

Police in Lae are calling for stronger intervention from schools and parents to address the growing issue of student fights, which they say are being fueled by gang affiliations, peer pressure, and social influences such as cargo cults.

Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said school violence remains a major concern, with students engaging in fights that often escalate into larger conflicts.

He stressed that parents must take more responsibility for their children’s actions.

“Parents must know who their children are associating with and what they are doing at school. But once students enter school premises, parental control is limited, and they spend most of their time with their peers,” Kunyanban said.

He emphasized that schools must play a greater role in supervising students during school hours, as the police cannot be solely responsible for curbing the problem.

“From 8 AM to 3 PM, students are under the school’s authority. Schools need to step up and find strategies to monitor and discipline students. Arresting students is not a long-term solution; we must look at preventive measures,” he said.

Kunyanban also noted that some fights stem from long-standing rivalries between students from different ethnic backgrounds. He urged school administrations to work closely with police and community leaders to prevent fights before they escalate.

“This is not just a police issue—it’s a community issue. Schools, parents, and local leaders must work together to address the root causes and find lasting solutions,” he said.

Police have been monitoring hotspots for student fights and working with schools to prevent further violence. Authorities are urging students to focus on their education and avoid being influenced by negative peer groups.