An EU nation has made it mandatory for schoolchildren to take part in firearms training.

Poland has taken the dramatic step in response to fears of a potential attack from Russia.

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Children aged 13 and above are now taking lessons on how to assemble and operate weapons including assault rifles.

The lessons take place under adult supervision, and the weapons use laser-based systems instead of live ammunition.

The initiative reflects Poland’s concern about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine – with whom it shares a 329mile (529km) border.

Ewa Golinska is principal of Nicolaus Copernicus primary school in Skarszewy, a small town in the north of the country.

She said: ‘It is a compulsory subject in Polish schools, and the lesson content consists only of assembling and operating weapons.

‘With the state of the world today, I think this type of training is very valuable.’

German public broadcaster DW interviewed a number of pupils now taking shooting lessons alongside maths and history.

Emalia Labudzka said ‘it feels good to hit the target’, while Alan Jaron simply commented with a smile: ‘Shooting is fun. Holding a gun in your hands and shooting feels really cool.’

Marta Stolinska added: ‘I think it’s a good idea. Life is scary these days, so you have to be prepared for anything.’

There are 18,000 schools across Poland, and all of them are in the process of receiving the laser-based training technology.

While schools had offered firearms lessons previously, they were optional until three months ago – but overall, many parents are happy for their children to learn how to use and assemble firearms.

One mum, Monika Stolinska, said: ‘We are very proud that our children want to be on the right side of history, to defend our country and to be patriotic.’

Alina Labudzka, mum to a 14-year-old girl, added: ‘I feel she is capable of making her own decisions about her future, and knows what she wants to do in life.’

Poland is already a fairly gun-friendly country, allowing modern firearms ownership under police-issued permits for people who provide a reason to own the gun, such as hunting, sport shooting, training, and collecting.

Civilians can also apply for self-defence permits, but these are awarded at the discretion of the police force.

Arms dealer Krzysztof Gasior, based in Gdansk, described Poland’s firearm laws as ‘probably the most liberal in Europe’ – saying in some ways it’s easier to get a gun licence than a driving licence.

Last updated on January 11th, 2025 at 12:55 pm