School safety is being strengthened: a new law has come into force in Ukraine
Law No. 4609-IX, which provides for comprehensive strengthening of security measures in general secondary education institutions, has officially entered into force in Ukraine. The document establishes clear rules for staying on the territory and in the premises of schools, as well as determines those responsible for their compliance.
This was reported by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
According to the provisions of the law, the school grounds must be fenced off or at least clearly marked. Persons who may pose a threat to safety, in particular those who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants, are prohibited from entering educational institutions. Requirements for employees of educational institutions and persons involved in the educational process are also being tightened.
In state and municipal schools, the funding of security measures is the responsibility of the founders or is carried out at the expense of other legal sources. The costs cannot be passed on to those involved in the educational process.
Previously, the authors of the bill noted that Ukraine lacked clearly defined legislative restrictions on staying in educational institutions and effective legal mechanisms for their implementation.
According to the law, founders and heads of general secondary education institutions are obliged to ensure:
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the establishment of rules for access and stay of participants in the educational process and outsiders;
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fencing off the school grounds or marking its boundaries;
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equipping the premises with technical security devices for urgent calls to the police;
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the implementation of other security measures.
The document also prohibits the following persons from being in schools and on their premises:
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in a state of alcohol, drug or other intoxication;
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with dangerous items or substances, the list of which is approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
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with animals, except for guide dogs accompanying persons with disabilities.
In case of violation of the established rules, students may be suspended from the educational process until the violation is remedied.
Separately, we note that on 15 January 2026, the government approved a list of dangerous items prohibited in schools. It includes, in particular, firearms, pneumatic and cold weapons, ammunition, explosives and pyrotechnic products, devices for firing rubber bullets, gas canisters, stun guns, special devices, tools, flammable substances, narcotic and psychotropic substances, alcohol, tobacco and electronic cigarettes, devices for consuming tobacco products without combustion, as well as energy drinks.
At the same time, the ban does not apply to items used in the educational process, school economic activities, school museum exhibitions, as well as during sports and educational events — subject to control by responsible persons.
Safety in schools, Law 4609-IX, general secondary education institutions, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
