16.04.2026 13:51
A meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin discussed security measures to be taken in schools. It was decided to enhance security around schools, and the statement noted, 'There was consensus on strengthening early warning and early intervention mechanisms among school administrations, guidance services, teachers, families, law enforcement units, and relevant public institutions.'
Following the school attacks in Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa, an online meeting was held with the participation of Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and National Education Minister Yusuf Tekin to discuss security measures in and around schools. After the critical meeting, a written statement was issued regarding the decisions taken as the ministers departed for Kahramanmaraş.
At the meeting, which started at 09:00 at the Security and Emergency Coordination Center (GAMER) under the Ministry, the steps to be taken for the security of schools and their surroundings were reviewed. The meeting, chaired by Ministers Çiftçi and Tekin, was also attended by governors, provincial police chiefs, provincial gendarmerie commanders, and provincial national education directors.
The joint statement issued by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of National Education after the meeting included the following expressions:
"Following the heinous armed attack at two of our schools in Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa, a comprehensive evaluation meeting was held today under the coordination of our Ministry of Interior with the participation of our Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and our National Education Minister Yusuf Tekin, along with our Governors, Provincial Police Chiefs, Provincial Gendarmerie Commanders, and Provincial National Education Directors. In the meeting, the incidents were addressed from all aspects; existing practices regarding school security, risk areas, and the need for additional measures were evaluated in detail.
CAMERA SYSTEMS, VISITOR APPLICATIONS REVIEWED AGAIN
In the meeting, firstly, the manner of the attacks that occurred in Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa, the initial response process, inter-agency coordination capacity, and risk indicators prior to the incidents were evaluated. Additionally, the internal and external security of our schools; entry-exit procedures, perimeter controls, camera systems, visitor applications, service routes, and areas where our students are densely present were reviewed again.
THE EFFECTS OF DIGITAL CONTENT, SERIES, AND FILMS ON CHILDREN WERE ADDRESSED
Furthermore, alongside increasing physical security measures; a joint assessment was made that every area that drives or encourages our children and youth towards violence should be carefully addressed. In this context, internet usage, the influence of social media platforms, harmful content spread on digital platforms, cyberbullying, the glorification of crime and criminals, and the effects of series, films, and similar popular culture elements that normalize violence on our children were also addressed in a multi-dimensional manner.
EARLY WARNING AND INTERVENTION MECHANISMS WILL BE STRENGTHENED
In the meeting, consensus was reached on strengthening early warning and early intervention mechanisms among school administrations, guidance services, teachers, families, law enforcement units, and relevant public institutions. Concrete steps were determined towards timely recognition of potential risk indicators in our children's behavioral world, strengthening family-school-public-civil society cooperation, and expanding protective-preventive studies.
INSPECTIONS AROUND SCHOOLS WILL BE INCREASED
On the other hand, issues such as preventing access to unlicensed weapons and similar dangerous elements, increasing inspections around schools, strengthening crisis response capacity, and coordinating psychosocial support processes in a synchronized manner were also decided in detail.
At the end of the meeting; necessary decisions were made regarding the preparation of a multi-layered action plan for short, medium, and long terms, updating risk assessments on a provincial basis, making school security practices more effective, and further strengthening inter-agency data sharing and coordination. At the same time, emphasizing the importance of the topics addressed in the "Academic Year Opening Security Measures" meetings held at the beginning of each academic year under the coordination of our governors, it was stressed that the measures taken in these meetings should be followed with sensitivity.
Ensuring that our children receive education in peace and security is among the most fundamental priorities of our state. Our goal is that no parent feels anxiety when sending their child to school. Our state, under the strong leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is on duty with all its institutions.
PROCEEDINGS AGAINST PROVOCATEURS AND ACCOUNTS WILL CONTINUE
Necessary proceedings will also be resolutely continued within the framework drawn by law against those who attempt to create provocation over these painful incidents, harm our nation's common conscience, spread unverified information, and create a language praising crime and criminals. Combating disinformation and providing accurate information are an inseparable part of this process. The Presidency's Communications Directorate's Center for Combating Disinformation refuted some unfounded claims regarding the incident; official authorities also called on the public to rely only on verified statements.
May our noble nation rest assured. Every necessary step will be taken for the safety of our children, no area of neglect will be left unaddressed, and no risk factor will be overlooked.
We once again pray to God for mercy upon our children and our teacher who lost their lives, and wish a speedy recovery to our wounded. May our nation's head be healthy."