Educators have raised concerns over the safety of a new campaign to put the ?pop and sizzle? back into the Island?s tourism industry.

As part of its ongoing ?Pop and Sizzle Campaign?, Government?s Department of Tourism last week launched the ?Pop By? flag scheme. Brightly coloured flags were handed out to schools by Tourism Minister Ewart Brown, who wants students to do their part as ambassadors for the Island. Students were encouraged to take the flags with them to the beach and other social gatherings to invite unknown visitors to sit with them and talk about the Island.

At the time of the launch, Dr. Brown said: ?The flags are a sign that ?I am Bermudian, I am approachable, I welcome you to my Island and am happy to share with you?.?

But some schools have now confirmed that they will not be taking part in the project because of safety concerns.

Sister Judith Rollo, Principal of Mount Saint Agnes Academy, said that the school had chosen not to be involved in the programme because she was concerned for her students? safety.

And the Bermuda High School for Girls (BHS) has also chosen not to promote the programme.

Lisa Howie, Head of English at BHS, attended the Tourism Minister?s presentation at a school assembly and agreed with the message that tourism will only succeed if every Bermudian gets involved.

Nevertheless, she felt that the programme had not been properly thought through and that the Department of Tourism had not considered the repercussions of asking young people to talk to strangers.

She worried that students acting as ambassadors could come across adults with dishonourable intentions .

Other parents, who did not wish to be named, have also contacted The Royal Gazette saying they do not want their children taking part in the programme.

One mother, whose daughter is at university said: ?I am not comfortable with the idea of my daughter sticking up a flag inviting anyone and everyone to approach her.?

Sgt. Alex McDonald of the Police Crime Prevention Unit felt the Pop By flags were a good idea for Bermuda tourism but cautioned students to be careful.

?We would encourage the individuals to do it when they are in a safe environment with an adult around.? Sgt. McDonald said.