School start in danger: bomb threats cause excitement in Saxony

School start in danger: bomb threats cause excitement in Saxony

The current wave of bomb threats at schools in Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt not only triggered a feeling of uncertainty among students and teachers, but also raises important questions about the security in the field of education. While the police have given all -clear in all affected cases, the phenomenon remains a worrying problem that unsettles the school communities and their relatives.

affected regions and renewed incidents

In the first weeks of the new school year, there was an alarming accumulation of threatening emails that reached schools in several cities. On August 12, 2023, a total of 13 schools in Weimar, Jena and other places were confronted with bomb threats. This incident was not isolated, because similar threats were also reported in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. In Görlitz, Bautzen and also in Magdeburg, schools could not come to rest, as the threats also knocked on the doors there. However, the police found in all cases that no real explosives or dangerous objects were found.

Security and emergency management at schools

schools were trained for such threats in advance and developed emergency plans in order to act quickly and determined in an emergency. Schools in Saxony recently received new guidelines that cover all aspects of effective emergency management. This also includes measures for amok threats, fires and hostage frames. A crisis team should be available if necessary to ensure the safety of the students.

parents and the role of school management

The parents' reaction to these threatening situations is of great importance. The Saxon Ministry of Culture advises serenity and trust in the professional action of the school management and the police. Parents are asked to waive mobile phone calls for threats in order to keep the emergency lines for emergency services free. In the first period after a threat, it is important to work on the action with the children, whereby school psychologists can also offer support.

matters of consequence

perpetrators of bomb threats have to expect considerable legal consequences. Regardless of whether it is a serious threat or a joke, the disorder of public peace is punished with money or prison terms of up to three years. In addition, the costs for the necessary police operations can be charged to the perpetrators.

social influence and trends

The current events reflect a worrying social development. The number of such threats to schools has increased in recent years: While between 2014 and 2021 between four and 19 incidents were registered, the number rose to 28 and 53 in 2022 and 2023. This illustrates an alarming trend that cannot be ignored. The strength and efficiency with which these threats are reacted to are crucial for the feeling of security of everyone involved.

summary and outlook

Although the police were able to give all -clear in most cases, the topic of bomb threats in schools remains a serious and complex problem. The ongoing incidents show that it is not only a question of security, but also a wake -up call to the entire society, to take the threats seriously and to develop countermeasures together. Educational institutions face the challenge of creating a safe environment for children and adolescents, even if the circumstances appear threatening.