Naples – Not just a physical barrier, but a tool for raising awareness. On the issue of school safety, which has returned to the forefront following recent news events, Valeria Pirone, principal of the Marie Curie Technical Institute in Ponticelli, weighs in.
His is not a theoretical position, but the product of a direct experience that has profoundly affected the school community of the Neapolitan neighborhood.
"Metal detectors in schools are useful, but they're not enough," the principal explained to Adnkronos. "They must go hand in hand with awareness-raising campaigns, testimonies, and ongoing dialogue. It's essential to make young people understand how dangerous it is to carry even a small knife."
The Ponticelli "model": from controls to dismay, to serenity
The turning point for the Marie Curie came about two years ago, following a stabbing that occurred right within the institute's walls. This incident prompted Principal Pirone to launch a then-provocative proposal: installing metal detectors at the entrances.
From that moment on, a discussion table was established with the Prefecture of Naples, which led to the current surveillance system.
Today, the school doesn't use fixed gates, but relies on random checks conducted by law enforcement. These interventions include the use of drug-sniffing canine units and mobile metal detectors. "These checks happen from time to time; I'm pleased they exist and hope they continue," the principal comments.
A dangerous “fad” that cuts across social classes
Valeria Pirone's analysis touches a sensitive nerve in youth distress: the possession of knives as a status symbol or means of defense. "Two years ago, we realized that the phenomenon was worrying and widespread: even kids with excellent grades and from respectable families carried knives, sometimes to emulate others or to feel part of the group."
However, the climate seems to have changed. While the searches initially sparked dismay and resistance among the students, the latest monitoring conducted in December yielded encouraging results: no dangerous objects were found.
"The kids now accept the checks calmly and are very cooperative," the principal concludes. "I like to think that our firm stance has served as an effective deterrent."
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Comments (1)
The idea of metal detectors in schools is a good thing, but there also needed to be a stronger dialogue between students and teachers. Kids need to understand the dangers of carrying knives, but simply checking isn't enough.