Nizhny Novgorod schools unveil attack prevention plan

Three incidents occurred in Russian schools over two days. In Krasnoyarsk, a student set fire; in Kodinsk (Krasnoyarsk region), a minor stabbed a peer with a kitchen knife; in Ufa, a ninth-grader fired a plastic assault rifle at a teacher and classmates.

Nizhny Novgorod region Education Minister Mikhail Puchkov believes that preventing such incidents requires more than just enhancing physical protection. On his social media page, he shared his thoughts on the causes and possible solutions.

According to Puchkov, key measures are systemic proactive work and creating a healthy emotional environment in school communities. In the region, a list of trusted methods has been prepared for psychologists, new tools for identifying self-aggression have been approved, and an anonymous online chat with a psychologist has been launched.

«Is this enough? Absolutely not! The atmosphere in a team does not form instantly; it»s a long process involving many participants. One school psychologist cannot solve all problems,« the minister wrote.

He stated that not only psychologists, but also homeroom teachers, subject teachers, and parents should monitor changes in student behavior. Warning signs include a sharp drop in academic performance, changes in appearance, truancy, and involvement in conflicts — all reasons to consult a specialist.

Puchkov emphasized that excluding a «difficult» child from school does not solve the problem. A modern student«s psyche is under high stress, and adults need to help them cope.

«This includes a proper daily routine, content filtering, time control in games and social networks, opportunities for various activities, conversation and a sense of trust, the right example and help,» the department head noted.

The minister added that metal detectors in schools, while not guaranteeing absolute safety, should be present and operational. In educational institutions of the Nizhny Novgorod region, the operation of entrance groups and security will be checked, and an automatic attendance tracking system will be introduced that will transmit data to prevention councils and juvenile affairs commissions.

«Safety is created by an atmosphere where the child is seen, heard, and given a helping hand in time, without reaching a boiling point. This is a shared responsibility of school and family,» Puchkov concluded.