(Newswire.net — September 2, 2016) — On September first, twelve milion pupils returned to school in France. With increased security measures, they were welcomed by a new school subject – how to survive a terror attack.
Children aged 14 and over will be taught basic life-saving skills in class. The schools will use simulated terrorist attacks, to teach the pupils how to hide, escape, and stay calm in an attack.
French officials hope the lessons will improve the resilience of youngsters and also train them to have good reactions, reports Daily Mail.
The new training for pupils and teachers was announced by the French government in a joint statement from the interior and education ministries. The statement also added how ISIS has previously said that schools are a ‘top priority’ target in a threat delivered last December.
The new security measures and new school subjects come at the time of planned reform of the French education system, which include new school subjects that deal with health, ecology, ancient cultures and other modern foreign language.
François Hollande, the French president, visited a primary school to be sure that they are ready for the reforms, and on his Twitter account he said that the first day of this school year is very important for students and for teachers, and that new circumstances justify the security measures taken at the entrances of all schools in France, following a spate of ISIS atrocities in the country.
Schools have introduced enhanced security measures after the attack on November 13th last year, when gunmen and suicide bombers hit a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars, almost simultaneously – and left 130 people dead and hundreds wounded. The attacks were described by President Francois Hollande as an act of war, organised by the Islamic State militant group.
So, the intention of French authorities to teach the pupils how to survive a terrorist attack is quite reasonable. But, the question is, with three bomb threat drills throughout the academic year, which will be activated by text message, to ensure they are different from a fire alarm drill, how do they keep from traumatizing the children?
The youngest pupils will be taught “The Game of Silence”. Teachers must prepare the children to hide in complete silence, without scaring them in the dark. Also, they will practice how to enter the school building from the school yard, as fast as they can.
Also, these classes, will play a “Statue game” that involves the pupils taking a position that their teacher will show them.
Life saving skill classes for the older pupils will include, staying calm in an attack, rescuing other people’s lives, and providing first aid to the wounded.