New Mandatory Safety Standards for Educational Institutions
In response to the ongoing wartime conditions, Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs has enacted new compulsory security measures for all schools. Issued on February 8, 2023, under Order No. 28, these regulations mandate physical security guards, the use of metal detectors, and comprehensive video surveillance systems. Crucially, the funding for these security upgrades is prohibited from being passed on to students' families, ensuring the state bears the cost.
The new rules specify that security personnel must be on duty at least 60 minutes before the school day begins. All students from grades 5 through 11, along with teaching staff and visitors, are required to pass through metal detectors. The number of detector frames must correspond to the number of active entrances to the school building. Furthermore, video surveillance footage must be stored on servers for a minimum of 30 days. These measures reflect a significant shift in school security policy for a nation under martial law.
List of Prohibited Items in Educational Establishments
This security directive follows a government-approved list of dangerous items banned from schools, which was confirmed in January 2026. The prohibited items include:
- Firearms, pneumatic and melee weapons, including knives, bows, crossbows, brass knuckles, nunchaku, and their imitations;
- Ammunition, explosive, and pyrotechnic items;
- Devices for firing rubber bullets;
- Gas canisters, stun guns, and special means of restraint;
- Tools and flammable substances;
- Narcotic and psychotropic substances;
- Alcohol, tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes;
- Devices for heating tobacco;
- Energy drinks.
The introduction of these standards is aimed at enhancing the safety of students and educational staff, creating a more secure learning environment during wartime. This comprehensive approach to school security underscores the government's focus on protecting young people amidst the broader conflict. By establishing clear rules and restrictions on dangerous items, authorities aim to mitigate risks and prevent violence within educational institutions, viewing safe schools as foundational for societal stability and the development of the younger generation.