New security package

Austria’s schools are arming themselves against extremists

Ten people lost their lives at a school in Graz.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Following the tragic rampage at a school in Graz that left eleven people dead, the weapons law was tightened and now the government is also preparing a security package for schools. This involves training for teachers and pupils, emergency drills, tightening up access concepts and more prevention against extremism.

New data and experiences from schools show that girls are increasingly becoming the focus of extremist agitation, according to the Ministry of the Interior. In order to counter this, the prevention of radicalization and extremism is being strengthened in coordination with the Ministry of Education.

Preventing extremism is at the heart of the new security strategy.(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

For example, workshops are planned in schools and out-of-school settings to prevent violence and strengthen resilience to extremist ideologies, as well as outreach work to prevent extremism among young people as part of secondary and tertiary prevention. The Ministry of the Interior is also planning measures in the digital space.

State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ)(Bild: APA/MAX SLOVENCIK)

"Well-trained teachers are our strongest early warning system. We give them the tools to recognize extremist tendencies at an early stage. In close cooperation with schools, psychologists and crime prevention, we ensure low-threshold reporting channels and rapid assistance," explains State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried, who is responsible for the protection of the constitution.

Security concepts and emergency drills are being tightened up
Schools will also be supported in reviewing existing security concepts and tightening them up where necessary. Investments are also being made in emergency drills and practical behavioral guidelines for all relevant persons. Access concepts at schools are also to be reviewed and possibly tightened up with the help of the police.

Security training will be provided for teachers throughout Austria from the coming school year. Violence prevention will also be expanded, according to the Council of Ministers' report, which was adopted before Christmas. Early detection is a key point. Parents are also to be more closely involved. The analysis also states that the exchange of data between institutions must be strengthened.

Recognizing threats at an early stage
"Security at our educational institutions is not a static state, but a joint, dynamic process. With the measures we have now taken, we are strengthening cooperation between schools, the police and all relevant partners in order to identify threats at an early stage and deal with them consistently," states Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS).