Polish authorities have launched a nationwide security operation across schools following three stabbing attacks in educational institutions within four days, increasing police presence and strengthening preventive measures.

Officials said inspections have been carried out at more than 80,000 educational institutions across the country since Friday, while 135 people have been detained as part of security operations.

Authorities also dismissed claims circulating online that the attacks were linked to an organised group or an internet challenge, saying no evidence had been found to support such allegations.

Thousands of officers deployed

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński announced that more than 20,000 police officers would be deployed around schools to enhance security and reassure students, teachers and parents.

Speaking to state broadcaster TVP Info, Kierwiński said authorities wanted to send a clear message that attacks targeting children and educational institutions would not be tolerated and that public order would be firmly protected.

Police said officers would continue patrols around schools, carry out preventive inspections and respond rapidly to potential threats.

Government warns of growing culture of violence

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the recent incidents reflected a broader rise in violent behaviour among young people, both in Poland and internationally.

He warned that content glorifying violence, extremist ideologies and the "cult of strength", together with violent online material and computer games, could negatively influence vulnerable youths. Tusk also stressed that security measures alone would not be sufficient and called for stronger educational and psychological support programmes to address the roots of youth violence.

The latest stabbing occurred on Saturday at a higher education institution in Warsaw, where three people were injured.

The incident followed an attack on Thursday in the village of Leszczydół-Nowiny, northeast of Warsaw, where a 15-year-old former student allegedly killed a school staff member and wounded two teachers after entering a primary school wearing a helmet-mounted camera.

The Polish government said security measures around educational institutions would remain in place while authorities continue investigating the attacks and assessing additional steps to improve school safety.(ILKHA)