Buenos Aires implements new school vandalism repair protocol

The Government of the City of Buenos Aires has implemented a new protocol titled ‘El que rompe, paga’ (He who breaks, pays) to address intentional vandalism in schools. Part of the ‘General Framework for a Culture of Care in Educational Establishments,’ the policy aims to hold institutions and families financially responsible for damages such as graffiti or broken furniture.

Under the new regulations, if damage does not require immediate emergency intervention, school leadership and parent-teacher cooperatives must determine how to fund repairs. This may involve using petty cash or cooperative funds. The initiative also suggests ‘repair and recovery days,’ which may include student participation, to discourage vandalism and ensure that public resources are not diverted from educational materials to cover avoidable repairs.