Shooting in Graz Affects Other Schools

The rampage in Graz also has effects on schools in other federal states. Due to the increasing threat situation, including threatening emails, crisis management in schools is being "sensitively intensified," as stated by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday in response to an APA inquiry. Due to potential copycat offenders, schools are also under special observation by the police.

"Increased Readiness"

"Since 8:00 AM, there has been increased readiness of the rapid intervention groups and in Vienna of the WEGA in the areas where schools are located, with a special focus on the forensic area," as Federal Police Director Michael Takacs explained at a press conference on Wednesday. These measures are to remain in place until further notice until the end of the school year.

According to the Ministry of Education, specific adjustments to security measures at schools are not currently in progress. The focus is now on standing together and helping those affected in Graz, for example, through school psychological services. Only then will it be about understanding what happened, drawing conclusions, and acting accordingly. Martin Netzer, Secretary General in the Ministry of Education, did not rule out technical security measures from the outset on Tuesday evening on ORF television. However, one must be careful about which measures are proportionate and practical. From international examples, it is known that security gates "are not the panacea."

There are already measures in place at schools to make them a safe place. All have crisis plans adapted to regional requirements, and the locations are in close contact with emergency services in their region. Schools also regularly conduct exercises for different crisis scenarios. Violence prevention has also been a top priority in schools for some time, and the double budget includes an increase in psychosocial support.

Rampage in Graz Affects School Events

The rampage also has concrete effects on school events these days. The Vienna Education Directorate, for example, has "strongly recommended" canceling or postponing all school festivals, celebrations, and sports competitions during the three-day national mourning. Events that have already started or are imminent, such as sports weeks, should be conducted with "appropriate restraint."

The rampage was also a topic in the classroom itself, as shown by parent letters available to the APA. At some locations, a minute of silence was held. The aim was to give children the feeling of solidarity, as stated in a letter from an elementary school. Another sent parents tips on how to talk to children about the events in an age-appropriate way. A Vienna high school stated that if needed, contact information for support services would be provided to students. There is no clear directive on whether teachers should address the topic in their classes. Students were allowed to leave the classroom during lessons discussing the rampage to be supervised in a common room. The current focus is on handling photos and videos on social media and the general topic of bullying.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.