After the killing spree: Experts are calling for security in schools!

After the killing spree: Experts are calling for security in schools!

After the tragic killing spree in Graz, in which eleven people lost their lives, the demands of increased security measures on educational institutions are increasingly becoming the focus. Nikolaus Immanuel Köhler, President of the Security Day, emphasizes the urgency of a comprehensive security discussion and suggests starting at focus schools first to gain practical experience. He does not rule out the use of security service providers and metal detectors for searching for weapons to improve the feeling of security at schools, especially in young people, where the fear of violence is noticeable. There are currently hardly any security staff at public schools, while private schools are often better equipped, which leads to an unequal level of security. The faster voting channels in private institutions also enable more quickly.

Experience with security measures from countries such as Great Britain, France and Scandinavian countries already offer examples of how the situation in schools can be improved. Köhler recognizes the need to provide more than just preventive information on preventive prevention. Teachers report a growing fear of their own students, which also underlines the urgency of these measures. In addition, a growing “respect for young people” is perceived towards authorities.

global perspectives on violence in schools

A look at the global situation shows that violence in schools is a widespread problem that affects everyone involved. In the United States, the fight against "fatal silence" in schools is seen as a central challenge. Prevention strategies are of the highest priority there to promote a non -violent school environment. Investigations show a decline in violent crime in Germany, but 30% of students still experience bullying.

The latest studies indicate that violence increases not only between students, but also against teachers. It should be emphasized that institutionalized violence can arise from school processes and rules. In many schools there is also a lack of specialists, which exacerbates and leads to learning and development residues among students, particularly reinforced by the effects of corona pandemic.

prevention strategies for schools

Therefore, building sustainable school development is of central importance. Programs such as “Mindmatters” have turned out to be effective and offer a structured concept for promoting the mental health of students. Mindmatters supports schools in building a positive school climate and promoting values ​​such as respect and acceptance. The program has been continuously developed since 2006 and includes various school development and teaching modules that are competence-oriented and are based on different school types and age groups.

The challenge caused by a heterogeneous student body, social integration and digitization requires special prevention measures that define target groups and specific goals. Only through an integrative approach can it be possible to create a safe learning environment that takes into account both the physical and mental health of the pupils and teachers.