Metal detectors are arriving in schools to prevent violence: “there will also be surprise checks”

Unfortunately, the introduction of weapons and knives into schools by pupils, often very young, is becoming increasingly widespread. To address this problem, which erupted in particular after the killing of eighteen-year-old Youssef Abanoub, the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, announced the imminent publication of a directive shared with the Minister of Education Giuseppe Valditara, which will be sent in the next few hours to school managers and prefects.

The devices can be used at the request of principals, in full respect of school autonomy, and will be aimed at ensuring safety for students and school staff, without becoming a permanent repressive measure. But the news divides public opinion, given the climate that would be created and considering that metal detectors will not be enough to combat the root causes of bullying and psychological distress that sometimes trigger these serious episodes of violence.

Operating methods and flexibility of controls

Checks with metal detectors can be carried out at the entrance to schools or in external areas and can also take place by surprise, if the principals deem it necessary. The directive clarifies that more structured controls remain possible upon request of the judicial authority in the case of investigations into specific crimes.

The metal detectors will be mobile, similar to those used in concerts or public events, and do not require fixed installations. The measure will be aimed at institutions at greater risk, without generalized daily checks, to limit the impact on school life.

A measure for safety and prevention

Minister Valditara underlined, speaking at Five Minutes on Rai1, how the measure is designed to protect students and school staff, counteracting a worrying trend also widespread via social media and the web, which makes the possession of edged weapons increasingly common among children.

Piantedosi added that the circular represents a prevention tool and not a form of generalized repression. The final decision on the implementation of the controls will be up to the principals, in collaboration with the prefects, thus guaranteeing a targeted and proportionate approach to safety.

Towards a broader security package

The metal detector checks are part of a broader security package being studied by the government and will be included in a bill that also aims to regulate the possession of edged weapons among minors. Piantedosi expressed confidence in the parliamentary discussion to obtain a transversal consensus, considering that the topic had already been addressed by some political forces in recent months.

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