MACKA Diamond is encouraging parents to accompany minors to school, where possible, and tell children not to take gifts or rides from strangers.

The academic school year 2022/23 begins today, Monday, September 5.

“Parents, please say a special prayer today for your children returning to school after the summer holidays; you need to put them under the protection of God. When I was going to primary school for the first time, my mother accompanied me for the first two weeks and would make surprise visits even when I was familiar with the school… She would warn me not to take gifts or rides from strangers, walk in groups, and to reach home before it was dark. As parents, you could take the same approach and give your children the same advice,” she said.

The deejay said parents should not leave the discipline of their children solely on teachers, and that parents should search their children’s bags after they return from school.

“If there are any unfamiliar items, it is your duty to find out how they got these items. Remember to monitor their homework and set up their study timetables,” she said.

There are almost half a million students attending primary and secondary schools in Jamaica.

Macka Diamond (given name Charmaine Monroe) grew up in Portmore, St Catherine, and attended Holy Childhood High School in Kingston.

She assumed the name Lady Mackerel before switching to Macka Diamond. She is known for such songs as Bun Him, Cow Foot, Dye Dye, and Hoola Hoop.