The threats of alleged school shootings in Paraguay, spread through viral challenges on social media, expose the urgent need to strengthen family dialogue and security in educational institutions. The phenomenon, which in recent weeks has caused panic in several schools across the country, has led authorities to activate prevention mechanisms and discuss legal responsibilities.
Sonia Escauriza, director of Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Children and Adolescents at the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC), stated that the threats, initially made on messaging apps and social media, evolved into inscriptions on bathroom tiles with phrases like “Tomorrow there will be a shooting.” In some cases, the warnings resulted in class suspensions or preventive police presence, while in others the responsible individuals were identified.
“When we began to give a clear message that classes would take place with due security, following the protocol and with the support of security, the situation decreased significantly,” said Escauriza. She highlighted that the MEC observes with concern the role of the family environment in these episodes. “The important and fundamental role is that of the family,” she insisted.
One of the main challenges is dealing with minors under 14 who participate in the threats, since the Public Prosecutor's Office only intervenes directly in cases of adolescents above that age. “What do we do with children under 14? That's where the fundamental role of the family comes in,” explained the director. To broaden the response, the MEC plans to involve the Ministry of Children and Adolescents and the Ministry of Women in future working groups.
In parallel, the Ministry of the Interior and the National Police have committed to forwarding each case to the Public Prosecutor's Office for investigation. Escauriza warned that, depending on the severity, there may be charges or parental accountability. “They, once they have knowledge, will forward the report to the Public Prosecutor's Office and, if there are cases where it is necessary to charge, they will also charge or hold the parents responsible,” she said.
Miguel Marecos, president of the National Union of Principals, pointed to the distance between parents and children as a central problem. In previous experiences, out of 30 parents summoned, only 12 attended and only four recognized their children's backpacks. “None knew what homework their child had or which book they should bring,” he lamented. The union plans to hold a series of preventive workshops, starting on May 22, at the Luis Alberto de Herrera School in Asunción.
Escauriza confirmed that, in some cases, the students responsible for the threats have already been identified and are subject to socio-educational measures provided for in school coexistence rules. “From education, we must transform, educate, and address this attitude, but always with family support,” she concluded.