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Original poster

Should metal detectors be installed in schools - fatal stabbing in Sheffield

31 replies

IdaGlossop · 03/02/2025 18:20

Today, a 15-year old was fatally stabbed with a knife by a fellow pupil at a Sheffield secondary school. The perpetrator is being held in custody having been charged with murder. Inevitably, the cry has begun, again, for secondary schools to install metal detectors.

I think on balance they should be installed. While they are a constant and visible reminder of the possibility of schools being very dangerous places, they also have a role in helping keep young people and staff safe.

OP posts:
Meadowfinch · 03/02/2025 18:35

I think it will come eventually. Knives are becoming too common and too many people are being hurt.

It won't be foolproof though. A broken bottle can be equally lethal.

PrincessAnne5Eva · 03/02/2025 18:27

Also the worst incident I ever had to deal with was a firework. That would have still made it through a metal detector. Like I said, certain kids will always find a way.

Brahumbug · 03/02/2025 18:27

No, it is a slippery slope to security guards etc, just like the USA. We need to change the culture, so that people realise it is wrong to carry knives.

ThanksItHasPockets · 03/02/2025 18:27

They would be nothing more than a sticking plaster and a visible sop to the people who want to see Something Done.

We need proper investment in community policing, youth services, and CAMHS, not further pressure on schools to act as every public service all at once.

PrincessAnne5Eva · 03/02/2025 18:26

No it's demeaning and dehumanising and we only have occasional isolated incidents. The kids doing this sort of thing will always find a way regardless of what we do to try to police it.
If there was money in the budget for metal detectors it should be spent on more early intervention for the kids with the problem behaviours.

Purif · 03/02/2025 18:24

Practically I don’t see how it could easily work. Who would man them and search the students when it goes off for all sorts? The queues would be out the door for things like lunchtime coming back in unless you had multiple people and multiple scanners, I don’t see how they could afford it/get the man power In schools that are already struggling