Shooting in Hungarian schools? Parents are not happy about the Defence Basics subject

The planned air rifle shooting as part of the school Defence Basics subject divides parents: while some view it positively for sports and discipline, others are concerned about firearm use in class.

Do kids need another extra subject, or would they actually benefit from this?

Defence Basics is a compulsory subject for 11th-grade students in secondary school, consisting of theoretical and practical parts. The first semester includes one hour of theory per week, followed by practical sessions in the second semester, which include shooting practice with air rifles. Importantly, the air rifles used have a muzzle energy not exceeding 7.5 joules, making them unsuitable for causing lethal harm. Participation in shooting requires written parental consent and is voluntary; students can opt for other practical activities such as first aid or navigation exercises.

The paper above, which a parent received, asks for the parent’s permission to let their child participate in the new Defence Basics class.

As Eduline writes, the Ministry of Defence clarified that the programme is developed jointly by the school and military instructors. Participation is optional, conducted under safe conditions, and students who do not take part in shooting face no disadvantages. The goal is to provide practical knowledge of defence matters in a safe environment.

• High-ranking Corvinus University of Budapest on a list with the world’s best universities!

We don’t need to go far back for a horrible accident

However, a survey conducted in a large parents’ group revealed substantial parental opposition. Many parents voiced concerns about the dangers of firearm use, even with air rifles under supervision. They highlighted risks of injury and cited a tragic incident last year at a military training centre when a live grenade exploded in the hands of a 29-year-old woman, causing serious injuries. Concerns were also raised about discipline, noting that if students struggle to behave in class, managing safety on a shooting range could be even more difficult.

On the other hand, some parents with experience of such military-style education during the socialist era were more accepting, pointing out that shooting and military training were part of the curriculum then, and participation was compulsory. Supporters argue that this form of education teaches discipline, attention, and responsibility, offering valuable experiences for those interested in defence and sport shooting, potentially fostering talent in sports like biathlon that could bring international medals to Hungary.

• Shocking: Glass shards found in food served to hundreds of children in Hungary

Most parents are obviously not enthusiastic

The inclusion of air rifle shooting in Defence Basics classes provokes mixed reactions among parents, with arguments including:

• Supporters highlight:
  • Teaching discipline and responsibility through practice
  • Sparking interest in sport shooting and biathlon
  • Safe, supervised learning environment
  • Voluntary participation with no compulsory element
• Opponents stress:
  • Safety risks from weapon handling, even with air rifles
  • Difficulty in managing student behaviour during such activities
  • Protecting children’s physical and psychological well-being
  • Preference for voluntary extracurricular clubs with psychological screening

Going forward, a constructive dialogue among schools, experts, and parents will be crucial to ensure that the practical elements of Defence Basics are educational, engaging, and, above all, safe and acceptable to all involved.