Vienna fights for security: school psychologists urgently wanted!

Vienna fights for security: school psychologists urgently wanted!

Now there is movement in the debate about security at schools in Austria! The tragic killing spree in Graz, in which a 21-year-old killed ten people at his former school within seven minutes and then committed suicide, caused excitement nationwide. This was the first act of violence to such a frightening extent to a school in Austria and demands urgent measures in school psychological care that are already on the table in Vienna. As reports meinzirk.at, Education City Councilor Bettina Emmerling urges increased focus on school psychology.

But what does that mean specifically for the students: inside? According to Emmerling, there is an acute lack of personnel in the field of school psychology, which has a negative impact on the support of children and young people. A school psychologist is currently responsible for up to 9670 students - a grievance that is like a red cloth for a committed school community.

The urgency of prevention

The events in Graz not only moved the hearts of people, but also caused a rethink in security and prevention policy. After all, there are already plans for dealing with emergencies in many schools, but these have never been really actively used. A profound look at the psychosocial care shows that there is an urgent need for action here: In the event of an assumed use of psychological help by every fifth student, this would be almost 2000 children per specialist, so rnd.de. There must be a rethink here! It is not only important to strengthen the physical security measures, but also the mental health of the students: to promote inside.

Psychosocial support is intended to help prevent violent attacks and create a positive school climate. Children have the right to a safe, non -violent life that should begin at school. According to Schulpsychologie.at, violence and discrimination can only be combated effectively through a common basic attitude and a zero tolerance policy. Violence prevention should deal intensively with the children's fears and fantasies to improve the learning environment.

measures and future outlook

In response to the tragic events, the Association of Austrian Security Companies (VSÖ) is actively involved in the discussion about security measures according to meinzimzirk.at. University reforms and structural changes are also an issue: Emmerling suggests equipping schools with access restrictions and modern locking systems without making it "fortresses". Schools should remain safe places of encounter, not frightened retreat.