Children selling food and other items at night on the streets are highly vulnerable to indulge in criminal offenses, and are highly likely to be exposed to hard drugs.

This was one of the main points of discussion at the first ever Ministry of Mum’s meeting at the Thurston Gardens in Suva yesterday.

Ministry of Mom founder Ellana Kalounisiga says parents’ needs to play their role in providing a safe environment for their children.

“Children do not belong on the streets selling food. Mums and dads should be doing that. You place them in high risk situations. There are so many criminal elements on the streets after dark and placing your kids in that situation is not on.”

Meanwhile Nanise Natau, a mother who works as a police officer says parents need to speak to their children openly about the dangerous effects of drugs.

“To teach them right and make sure that they are open about sharing their concerns that they have as teenagers or as children. And to do it holistically, we need everyone’s support. We need everyone to come together and let us know what is happening.”

More than 30 mothers were part of the meeting.

The group will start with their monthly meetings next month as they aim to solve drug issues around the country and provide a safer environment for children.