Secondary schools around Qatar are urging parents to keep close tabs on their children when dropping them off at school following an incident between a student and a stranger.

According to the circulars, a child was dropped off at the school entrance by a parent, and then approached by a man carrying a “party bag” who asked the child to “take it to a woman over there.”

The child was about to comply with the request and head away from the school when a nearby parent intervened by guiding the child into the school.

One school noted:

You may remember that earlier in the year, we notified you following incidents where adults were observed acting in a suspicious manner outside some schools in Doha.

Another advised:

As a parent you can play a part by picking up and dropping children off in a timely manner. Please ensure that your children are walked in and out of school safely.

If you witness suspicious behavior please gather as much information as you can, such as, vehicle registration and physical description and report it to the school immediately. Under no circumstances should you approach the individual directly.

Here are a few of the notes:

Despite Qatar’s low crime rate, schools are appear to be taking “stranger danger” incidents like these very seriously – as they should.

Anyone know more?

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by _ChrisUK