The Polish education ministry (MEN) has recently decided to withdraw shooting-related classes from the safety education curriculum taught in primary schools. The previous module on health, which had been a part of the curriculum, was replaced by defensive training, where students were instructed in military-style cybersecurity measures and basic shooting techniques. This change transitioned the focus from health education to a more tactical training approach, which did not sit well with many experts in the field of education.

Officials from the Educational Research Institute highlighted that the shooting component, which was included in the curriculum for only three hours, had a limited scope and lacked substantial educational value. This decision was backed by nationwide surveys of teachers involved in safety education, who largely supported the removal of the shooting content. Ilona Urych, head of the team responsible for the safety education curriculum, emphasized that this change reflects a broader concern about the appropriateness and effectiveness of military training within the school system.

The implications of MEN's decision are significant as they highlight ongoing debates within Poland regarding education, safety, and the role of military-style training in schools. Critics argue that focusing on such training detracts from essential life skills, such as health education, and raises ethical concerns about normalizing weapon-related content for children. As the landscape of educational methods evolves, the ministry's decision may lead to a reevaluation of how best to prepare students for safety in a non-militarized context, thus prompting a wider discussion on the necessity and relevance of military training in schools across the country.