Education Ministry criticises search of student belongings at Rakvere school: school has no right to inspect pupils' possessions

The Ministry of Education and Research has criticised events at Rakvere Vabaduse school, where social pedagogues had sixth-grade pupils empty their school bags in public on a table. The ministry emphasises that this was a serious breach of the requirement for sensitivity, and that the school lacks the authority to search pupils' belongings.

The Ministry of Education and Research has voiced sharp criticism of actions at Rakvere Vabaduse school, where social pedagogues organised a search of sixth-grade pupils' school bags – having them empty the contents onto a table in full view of others. The ministry views the incident as the most problematic breach of the requirement to ensure sensitivity.

According to the ministry, the action violated both pupils' privacy and their fundamental rights. Particularly concerning is the fact that the search was carried out publicly, in the presence of other classmates, which can cause children feelings of shame and humiliation. Such an approach is inconsistent with the school's educational mission.

School lacks the authority

The ministry states that schools have no legal basis for searching pupils' personal belongings as a preventive measure. Even if a school has concerns about a pupil's behaviour or items in their possession, this does not give them authority to act as a security service. Such actions fall, where necessary, within the remit of competent authorities such as the police.

The incident at Rakvere Vabaduse school raises a broader question about schools' awareness of protecting pupils' rights. Experts have previously drawn attention to the need to train school staff on both legal boundaries and protecting pupils' mental wellbeing. Handling of sensitive situations should take place privately and with respect for the child's dignity.