Half of 136 youths who were arrested in the past year for loanshark and related harassment activities were students, according to police data.

This was revealed in parliament today by Education Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen in response to a question by Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Er Lee Bee Wah.

She had asked the Minister what action the Ministry of Education (MOE) was taking to prevent school children from being lured into working as runners for loan sharks; and how many students have been caught for such activities in the past 12 months.

In his reply, the Minister said that,"the reasons for school children being lured into working for such activities are complex" and that "ultimately, parents are primary caregivers of their children".

He outlined how schools perform a complementary role to mould the students' character.

"Schools raise awareness of their students to illegal activities through the formal curriculum and a variety of character development and life-skills programmes, in order to teach them to discern right from wrong. The actions taken by schools include counselling and support, and as a last resort, disciplinary actions.

"Schools also engage the parents and community to work in partnership in nurturing our young holistically. Schools have adopted a variety of strategies to facilitate communication with parents and keep them informed about the needs of their children.

"Schools also collaborate with relevant agencies or authorities to guide students back on the right track. For example, MOE works with the Police to raise awareness at the school level through roadshows in schools and the provision of advisories."