Latvian parties split over when children should learn civil protection

Latvian public media outlet LSM asked political parties and alliances when children should begin learning civil protection skills, including how to act during alarms and evacuations or cope with prolonged power and water outages.

The parties’ responses fell into three broad groups.

ZZS, Progresīvie, Latvijas attīstībai and Apvienotais saraksts said age-appropriate skills should be taught from preschool.

Jaunā konservatīvā partija, Mēs mainām noteikumus, Austošā Saule Latvijai, Jaunā Vienotība, Gobzems’ list and Suverēnā vara proposed starting the training when children begin school or in primary school.

Stabilitātei! suggested beginning at around fifth grade. Latvija pirmajā vietā said children should acquire basic knowledge from the age of 14 and comprehensive knowledge from 16.

Saskaņas Centrs said the training should not be postponed beyond the final grades of basic school or secondary school.

Nacionālā apvienība did not specify an age and proposed working with children and parents at the same time.