To AmoFlauf: Vienna's schools under high security - what now?
To AmoFlauf: Vienna's schools under high security - what now?
The discussion about the security measures at schools in Austria has increased in intensity since the killing spree on November 21, 2023 in the Borg Dreierschützengasse in Graz. Ten people were killed in this incident and the 21-year-old perpetrator committed suicide. This tragedy, which is considered the worst bloody deed at a school in Austria, caused the authorities to rethink and possibly adapt the security concepts in schools. vienna.at reports that schools that traditionally be perceived as open locations can now be classified as high-security zones.
Education City Councilor Bettina Emmerling supports applied measures such as access controls and structural changes. Emmerling points out that, despite all security measures, schools should remain locations and demands that access barriers and locking systems are introduced for certain persons or at certain times. The urban department for schools (MA 56) plans to check and implement suitable measures, whereby it also applies in a "larger process" to also take into account the federal budget that wants to provide for more funds for education.
security concepts and crisis management
The Ministry of Education currently has no specific adjustments to the safety precautions. The focus is primarily on the support of those affected in Graz, where school psychological offers will be provided in the coming days. The acute lack of personnel in school psychology is also urgently addressed, with Emmerling striving for the expansion of support staff - ideally an additional person per school. The workshop "Wiener Educational opportunities" is recommended as the first step in the right direction.
In view of the growing threat scenario, the intensification of crisis management in schools is of great importance. Knowledge of crisis prevention, regular exercises and adapted crisis plans are important aspects in the current security strategy. Schools already have existing programs for violence and bullying prevention, which have been pursued by a national strategy since 2008. This is supported by a clearly formulated motto: "zero tolerance against violence". Puls24 emphasizes that violence prevention is high and more than 20 million euros in the double budget 2025/26 for psychosocial support planned are.prevention programs and support
In Austria in the current school year 2024/25, extremism prevention is also increased in Austria. Schools have the task of facing the challenge of violence and bullying prevention as an overall organization. Workshops on topics such as democracy, discrimination and media literacy are offered to promote a mature and critical attitude. Dealing with destructive ideologies such as right-wing extremism and anti-Semitism is another challenge for teachers. The Education Ministry has set up a center for violence and bullying prevention, the educator in personal education and Primary prevention supported.
The current developments show that there is a clear will to not only make schools safer, but also to places the positive encounter. This should have the opportunity to learn and grow children and adolescents in a non -violent and respectful environment.
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| Ort | Graz, Österreich |
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