Following the shooting at a school in Graz that left eleven people dead, the Austrian federal government is taking further action. In addition to the already adopted tightening of gun laws, a comprehensive security package for schools is currently being developed. Planned measures include training for teachers and students, regular emergency drills, a review of access control concepts and a stronger focus on preventing extremism.

A metal detector at the entrance to a school with security guards and students standing in line, which may be the most useful security package.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, recent data and experience from schools indicate that extremist actors are increasingly targeting girls as well. To counter this trend, radicalization and extremism prevention measures are to be significantly expanded in close coordination with the Ministry of Education.

Preventive measures are at the core of the new security strategy. Planned initiatives include workshops at schools and in extracurricular settings aimed at preventing violence and strengthening young people’s resilience to extremist ideologies. These efforts will be complemented by outreach-based youth work in the field of extremism prevention as part of secondary and tertiary prevention. Additional measures are also planned in the digital sphere.

State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) emphasizes the key role of well-trained teachers. He says they are the most important early warning system for identifying problematic developments at an early stage. The aim is to establish low-threshold reporting channels and enable rapid support in cooperation with schools, psychologists and crime prevention services.

At the same time, existing security concepts at schools are to be reviewed and, where necessary, strengthened. Investments are planned in practical emergency drills and clear guidelines for behavior for all those involved. Access control concepts are also to be evaluated jointly with the police and adjusted if required.

From the coming school year onward, nationwide security training for teachers is planned. In addition, violence prevention, early detection, greater involvement of parents, and improved data exchange between the responsible institutions are to be expanded. Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) stresses that safety at schools is a continuous process that can only be effectively ensured through close cooperation among all stakeholders. (Krone)

By Okay Altinisik | 30-12-2025, 13:39:42