Ferrara political groups urge mental health support after Liceo Ariosto assault

Following an assault at Liceo Ariosto on September 30, political groups Avs and Possibile in Ferrara have called for enhanced psychological support services in schools rather than increased security measures like metal detectors.

The groups expressed solidarity with the 15-year-old victim and his family. They argued that installing metal detectors would risk “transforming the school into a militarized place” and suggested that true security comes from improving affective education and mental health resources to address youth distress.

As an alternative to metal detectors, the groups proposed hiring more administrative and technical staff (ATA) to assist teachers and school leaders in management. Regarding the aggressor, who is currently held in a healthcare facility, the groups emphasized that institutional responses should focus on care, prevention, and listening to deep suffering rather than mere punishment.