Turkish Psychiatric Association issues statement on school attacks

The Central Executive Board of the Turkish Psychiatric Association (TPD) issued a press release regarding the attack at a high school in Siverek district of Şanlıurfa and the subsequent incident in Kahramanmaraş.

In Kahramanmaraş's Onikişubat district, a 14-year-old 8th-grade student, İsa Aras Mersinli, carried out a shooting attack at Ayser Çalık Middle School. Initially, 9 people, including 3 students and 1 teacher, lost their lives, and 20 were injured.

However, the death toll rose to 9 after several critically injured students succumbed to their injuries. Thirteen injured, 6 of whom are in critical condition, are receiving treatment. Kahramanmaraş Governor Mükerrem Ünlüer stated regarding the attack, "We suspect he took his father's weapons.

He came with 5 guns and 7 magazines and entered 2 classrooms." Uğur Mersinli, the father of the student who reportedly committed suicide, and who is alleged to be a First Class Police Chief Inspector, was taken into custody as part of the investigation.

The Central Executive Board of the Turkish Psychiatric Association (TPD) issued a statement regarding the incident. The statement, which shared views on safe educational environments and preventive policies, included the following:

"We have learned with deep sorrow that a second school attack occurred in Kahramanmaraş after the attack at a high school in Siverek district of Şanlıurfa.

We offer our condolences and patience to those who lost their lives and their families, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured; we extend our best wishes to all affected students, their families, and educators.

Such acts of violence are not limited to individual mental health; they are a reflection of the economic and social conditions in which they are shaped. Inequalities, poverty, insecurity, exclusion, and environments where violence is normalized increase the risk of such incidents occurring.

Therefore, the solution is possible not only with approaches that focus on the individual, but also with inclusive social policies, egalitarian educational environments, and strengthened public support systems.
Strengthening schools as safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces; expanding psychosocial services and resolutely implementing preventive policies are vital.

In news and posts about those who lost their lives and the perpetrators, a responsible and careful language should be used in the transmission of information." Sensational, detailed, or encouraging narratives should be avoided; public discourse should prioritize social well-being and a preventative approach. As the Turkish Psychiatric Association, we reiterate our call for the implementation of holistic policies that consider the social determinants of violence."

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