Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen says that metal detectors or placing guards in schools will not solve the issues raised by the Jokela school massacre.
Inaugurating a new school in Kokkola on Wednesday, Prime Minister Vanhanen said that rules governing computer use should be discussed in schools and in the home. He stressed that if threatening materials are posted on the Internet, they should be reported to the police.
According to Vanhanen, basic childrearing is the job of parents, but broad cooperation is needed to identify children who are alienated or have behavioural problems.
Millions for shooting aftermath
Health and Social Affairs Minister Liisa Hyssälä Wednesday visited Jokela, the community where last week’s school shootings took place. Hyssälä said that she wanted to hear what resources the municipality needs to deal with the aftermath of the tragedy, so that the message can be passed on to the government.
She added that the cabinet on Tuesday decided to provide aid to the municipality and cooperate to meet immediate needs as fully as possible.
The municipality of Tuusula, where Jokela is located, Wednesday presented the Minister of Basic Services Paula Risikko with an action plan and a cost projection of measures aimed at help in dealing with the aftermath of the school massacre.
Tuusula is asking for 5 million euros to pay for a four-year plan of crisis measures. Half of the sum will be used to provide therapy and occupational guidance for residents affected by the tragedy. The other half is earmarked for hiring experts including school guidance counsellors, psychologists and school healthcare personnel.
The goal is to help with the recovery of students, school staff, parents and guardians who were traumatized by last week’s shootings. Emergency personnel who were called in to deal with the event will also be included.
( Source: YLE)
