Police at school? Useful, but they do not fill the void
The article discusses the decision to increase police presence in schools in response to ongoing safety concerns and features insights from an educational leader about the underlying issues of aggression among students.
Following a meeting at the Prefecture focused on school safety, where it was decided to map at-risk schools and increase police presence, the article reflects on the observations of those within the educational environment. Mauro Zeni, the principal of Istituto Tenca and regional president of the National Association of Headteachers in Milan, expressed that police presence serves as a valuable tool for timely interventions but will not resolve the underlying violence in schools. He highlights that the root causes of aggression stem from a broader educational void not caused by individual parents or teachers alone.
Zeni emphasizes that societal neglect of the link between actions and responsibility has led students to navigate their emotions rather than rational thinking. This emotional instability has contributed to a fragile and reactive student body, where impulsivity often outweighs reasoning. He notes that instances of students bringing knives to school are indicative of a deeper issue, as are the frequent acts of self-harm, which signal a significant concern regarding student well-being.
Ultimately, the article underscores the necessity for a comprehensive approach to student education that includes emotional guidance, accountability, and a reassessment of societal values, rather than relying solely on law enforcement to address school safety issues. The call is for collaborative efforts between schools, families, and communities to foster a more understanding and responsible generation, capable of making better choices within their emotional frameworks.