Safety at Vienna's schools: Called parents to strengthen their children!

Safety at Vienna's schools: Called parents to strengthen their children!

After the tragic killing spree in Graz, in which nine young people and a teacher lost their lives, parents and students are shocked in Vienna and throughout the country. The uncertainty and fear of security at schools become clear in numerous calls at MA 11- child and youth welfare. Press spokeswoman Ingrid Pöschmann reports on a flood of worried calls from parents who worry about the well -being of their children. In this context, it is of central importance how parents are now at their side.

The first rule is: keep calm! Pöschmann advises parents not to play lay psychologists, but primarily to be there and to listen carefully. In kindergarten children in particular, the topic should not be actively addressed in everyday school life. Instead, questions should be answered carefully and carefully to convey security and trust. However, parents should make sure not to transfer their own fears to the children, but to show an attitude of the concern.

discussions for older children

older children who have access to media need a different approach. Parents should actively strive for discussions and consume serious media together with their children. It is important that the parents signal to be available for discussions at any time when the children are overwhelmed.
In Vienna there are also various service hotlines that offer support:

• MA 11: 01/4000-8011
• Psycho-social service: 01/31 330
• Council on wire: 147

The families concerned experience a state of emergency these days. In addition to the direct shock moments, the situation brings numerous challenges. Dealing with grief and pain can lead to feelings of isolation. It is important that not only parents, but also classmates are encouraged to communicate with each other. Open conversations about grief experiences can help to support everyone involved and to find it back into everyday life. Schools play an important role in this process by providing help and retreats.

support in school

teachers are also required to deal with their own helplessness. Support for school psychologists and crisis championships is essential. Exchange about grief with the students should not be limited to exceptional situations, but should also be anchored in the curriculum to promote a healthy examination of death. These important conversations can be crucial to help young people process the new realities.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen described the incident in Graz as an "indescribable horror" and emphasized the pain of the relatives. This tragic incident has shaken all of Austria and it is noticeable how everyone stands together in solidarity and grief. Chancellor Christian Stocker also spoke of a "dark day" and announced a three -day state grants. The sympathy from home and abroad, from Germany to Italy to Ukraine, shows that this tragedy goes far beyond the borders of Austria. In this difficult time it is important to strengthen social cohesion and to provide the families concerned the support that they urgently need.

A look at the central task of the schools shows that they are not only in terms of educational locations, but also represent retreats and supports in crisis situations. The space for grief and exchange is essential to make it easier for children to return to everyday life.