Prime star and ex-military policeman warns: 37% more violence at schools - children in need

New evaluations of police statistics show significantly more acts of violence at schools. Security expert Sascha de Vries explains why children today are getting into danger earlier - and how strong, self-confident and well-trained children can protect themselves better.

NRW - There is a measurable increase in violence at schools. According to an analysis of all 16 federal states based on police crime statistics, 28,760 violent crimes were registered at schools nationwide in 2024 - compared to 20,979 in 2022. This corresponds to an increase of 37.1 percent in just two years.

In addition to these acts of violence in the narrower sense (including minor assault and violent crime), the German government also reported 94,318 crimes involving schools in an answer to the Bundestag for 2024 - including 7,243 cases of violent crime.

Someone who has been observing this development for years and has dealt with real cases is now issuing a clear warning:

Sascha de Vries (49) - former service group leader of the military police, close combat instructor, multiple world champion, father of three and one of Germany's best-known child safety experts. He is also the protagonist of the new Amazon Prime series "Selfmade" (season 5, episode 7).

"Conflicts arise more quickly today, escalate more frequently - and many children don't know how to react. This puts them in danger earlier and more often." - Sascha de Vries

Over 11,000 children have already been trained in his 16 specialist karate schools in NRW. The focus is not on fighting, but on self-confidence, emotional strength, clear communication - and scientifically based situational training.

What does situational training mean?

Children practise realistic scenes:

- how to say "stop" clearly,

- how to create distance,

- how to get help,

- how they use body language,

- how to remain capable of acting in stressful situations,

- how they can protect and defend themselves in an emergency without putting themselves at additional risk,

- or how they can recognize warning signals earlier and avoid getting into such situations in the first place.

Documented case: Emilia (10) from Berlin

Recent reports from Berlin show how real such dangers can be: The newspapers BILD and B.Z. reported on Emilia (10), who, according to her parents, has been attacked and injured by classmates in the playground several times since February - with bruises, abrasions and massive threats. The parents criticize the lack of consequences and inadequate supervision.

De Vries:

"Such cases are no longer isolated incidents. Children who have no strategies freeze up inside. Children who have practiced situations, clear words and safe reactions are demonstrably better able to cope - and are often not even perceived as easy victims."

De Vries' safety principles - scientifically based:

1. responsibility always lies with adults. Children are not to blame for assaults.

2. simple rules, often practiced. Role play increases confidence and self-efficacy.

3. early and regular prevention. The earlier children learn boundaries, saying no and clear communication, the more effective protection will be in the long term.

4. multi-level prevention: parents + school + trainer. Studies show that prevention is most effective when all levels work together.

5 "You are not alone." Children need to know that they can ask for help at any time.

Mini benefit block for parents:

- Daily 2-minute question: "Was there anything that was unpleasant for you today?"

- 3-step rule: speak up - create distance - get help.

- Take warning signs seriously: Stomach aches, school anxiety, withdrawal or slumps in performance can be signs of stress or violence.

"A self-confident and strong child is not an easy victim - especially if they have practiced situations, clear words and safe reactions."

Karate Fachsportschule Sascha de Vries
Am Hammerwerk 13
Grevenbroi 41515
Germany

https://www.fachsportschule.de

Herr Sascha de Vries
017661563548

presse@fachsportschule.de

https://fachsportschule.de/sascha-de-vries/

This release was published on openPR.