After the rampage: Vienna's schools under high security - what now?

After the rampage: Vienna's schools under high security - what now?

The discussion about security measures at schools in Austria has increased in intensity since the shooting on November 21, 2023 in BORG Dreierschützengasse in Graz. Ten people were killed in this incident and the 21-year-old perpetrator took his own life. This tragedy, considered the worst act of bloodshed at a school in Austria, has prompted authorities to rethink and possibly adapt school security concepts. Vienna.at reports that schools, traditionally perceived as open spaces, could now be classified as high security zones.

City Councilor for Education Bettina Emmerling supports applied measures such as access controls and structural changes. Emmerling points out that schools should remain meeting places despite all the safety precautions and calls for access barriers and locking systems to be introduced for certain people or at certain times. The city's Department for Schools (MA 56) plans to review and implement appropriate measures, whereby in a “larger process” it is also important to take into account the federal budget, which wants to provide more resources for education.

Security concepts and crisis management

The Ministry of Education does not currently have any specific adjustments to the security precautions in the works. The focus is primarily on supporting those affected in Graz, where school psychology services will be made available in the coming days. The acute staff shortage in school psychology is also urgently addressed, with Emmerling aiming to expand support staff - ideally one additional person per school. The “Vienna Educational Opportunities” workshop is recommended as a first step in the right direction.

In view of the growing threat scenario, intensifying crisis management in schools is of great importance. Knowledge about crisis prevention, regular exercises and adapted crisis plans are important aspects of the current security strategy. Schools already have existing violence and bullying prevention programs, which have been pursued through a national strategy since 2008. This is supported by a clearly formulated motto: “Zero tolerance for violence”. Pulse24 emphasizes that violence prevention is a high priority and more than 20 million euros are planned for psychosocial support in the 2025/26 double budget.

Prevention programs and support

In the current 2024/25 school year, extremism prevention will also be strengthened in Austria. Schools have the task of facing the challenge of violence and bullying prevention as an entire organization. Workshops on topics such as democracy, discrimination and media literacy are offered in order to promote a responsible and critical attitude. Dealing with destructive ideologies such as right-wing extremism and anti-Semitism represents another challenge for teachers Ministry of Education has set up a center for violence and bullying prevention that supports educators in personality development and primary prevention.

Current developments show that there is a clear will to make schools not only safer, but also places for positive encounters. This should give children and young people the opportunity to learn and grow in a non-violent and respectful environment.