The new research project will investigate social and professional networks as well as early warning systems that would function to prevent shootings in schools and other targeted, serious acts of violence at German schools. The first step will be studies at schools in Berlin and Baden-Wurttemberg. In a subproject  the Brandenburg State Police Academy will carry out similar studies at schools in the state of Brandenburg. The various studies are intended to make comparisons possible between schools in large urban areas, a large state with mainly rural areas, and a large state in southwestern Germany.

The next step will be to improve the state of knowledge about risk factors and warning signals for school shootings as well as the evaluation criteria for threats or intimations of violence and violent fantasies. In the medium term the project is expected to contribute to better possibilities for preventing violence at German schools and to the further development of training methods used at schools. In the long term it aims to provide comprehensive support and consultancy services in response to violent announcements.

For further information, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Herbert Scheithauer, Junior Professor of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Email: hscheit@zedat.fu-berlin.de