The Union of Professional Educators had proposed metal detectors at schools two years ago after another incident and resuscitated the proposal following the St Clare’s stabbing.

Former Education Minister Evarist Bartolo also came out in favour of metal detectors as a security measure.

However, Portelli warned that modern students are already navigating social, emotional and psychological challenges that previous generations didn’t face.

“Society has changed — drastically — yet we are still treating some issues as though it is the 1900s, not 2025,” she said.

“Yes, safety must always come first. On that, I am firm and clear. But real safety is not created by rushing to impose hardware.”

“It is created by understanding behaviour, investing in mental-health support, building respectful relationships, and ensuring that schools remain places of learning, not checkpoints.”

“Before suggesting measures like metal detectors, we must exhaust all other possible alternatives — increased supervision, more consistent communication with students, strengthened pastoral support, and better collaboration with families.”

“These are not ‘soft’ approaches. They are informed, evidence-based, and centred on the well-being of the child.”

Portelli said that while every student deserves to feel safe at school, safety and dignity must go hand in hand.

“If, one day, research proves that metal detectors are the only effective option left, then we have that conversation,” she said.

“But we must never jump straight to the harshest measure without understanding the emotional, psychological, and long-term impact it may have on the students we are trying to protect.”

“Before forming opinions, we need to research, reflect, and think deeply about the young people at the centre of this discussion.”

Cover photo left: Nicole Portelli