Norway to Follow the US? Teachers Learn How to Protect Children from School Shootings

Redakcja

22.10.2025 15:54

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Norway to Follow the US? Teachers Learn How to Protect Children from School Shootings

Only teachers participate in the training sessions. The courses may have a negative impact on students. Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa (zdjęcie poglądowe)

Mandatory training in the PLIVO procedure (pågående livstruende vold – ongoing life-threatening violence) has been introduced for all school staff in Oslo. The course aims to strengthen the readiness of institutions for situations involving violence with weapons or other forms of immediate life-threatening danger.

PLIVO training was introduced in response to an increased risk assessment in educational institutions. Education authorities have decided that all schools in the capital must complete the course by the end of 2025. The training began in 2024. The course is intended for all school employees—not only teachers, but also support and administrative staff. The goal is to prepare personnel to respond in the first minutes after a crisis situation occurs, before emergency services arrive.

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This Is What Safety Training Looks Like in Norway

The PLIVO procedure was developed by emergency services and outlines specific actions in life-threatening situations—including cooperation with the police, fire department, and medical services. During the course, participants are introduced to various scenarios, including armed attacks, and practical ways to respond. The training is conducted in cooperation with local emergency services and the tech community to ensure realistic conditions and effective learning.

The course is not limited to 'escape' or 'shelter' procedures. School staff also learn, for example, how to ensure the safety of students in classrooms.

The primary threat teachers may have to face is an attack involving firearms.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license

Will Students Take Part in the Drills?

Education authorities indicate that while school staff are required to undergo training, the decision to include students in drills is left to individual schools. This is due to recommendations from education officials, who suggest that students should not participate in full PLIVO exercises, as they may be psychologically burdensome.

The courses in Oslo are a pilot version of the training. If proven effective, education authorities plan to introduce them in all institutions across Norway.