Turkish leaders call for comprehensive school safety reforms

Political leaders and advocates are calling for comprehensive improvements to school safety in Turkey, emphasizing that security must extend beyond physical school gates.

CHP Vice President Yıldırım Kaya announced a campaign titled ‘Making Safe Schools Possible Without Losing Any of Our Children,’ presenting five specific proposals to prevent violence in schools. Kaya criticized current security policies, arguing that the presence of security guards at gates is insufficient to protect children from a broader societal climate of lawlessness and threat.

Discussions regarding school safety also highlight the need for psychological security to combat peer bullying. Experts suggest strengthening communication between teachers, guidance services, and families to identify and intervene in bullying cases early. Additionally, there is a call for updated disaster preparedness, including regular and meaningful drills for earthquakes and fires, to ensure students are equipped to handle emergencies.