 | Stacey JenksStacey Jenks is an American expat, proud mom, and vacation rental expert who helps travelers feel right at home in Panama. With a warm heart and sharp eye for comfort, she curates unforgettable stays with ease. |
As an American who now lives in Panama, one of the most unexpected and refreshing aspects of life here is the lack of school violence—especially the absence of school shootings. To date, there have been no known incidents of school shootings at K-12 schools in Panama’s modern history. Even at the university level, violence on campus is almost unheard of. A minor university campus incident in June 2024 made national news—precisely because it was so rare. That alone says a lot.
In contrast, school safety has become a serious concern for many families in the U.S., where bulletproof backpacks and active-shooter drills are a routine part of childhood. The sad reality is that American students, parents, and teachers carry the constant mental burden of potential school shootings. This is not the case in Panama.
While Panama certainly faces issues like occasional bullying or youth delinquency in specific areas, the government’s focus is on prevention and education, not metal detectors or armed guards. When a few schools in higher-risk areas discussed installing metal detectors in 2023, the Minister of Education quickly shut it down, stating that they “don’t solve the root problem.” Instead, schools are working alongside youth police units to identify at-risk students early and intervene through counseling.
There are no armed guards patrolling Panama’s school campuses. No TSA-style security checks at the door. And parents don’t live in fear that their child won’t come home from school. To me—and to many of the parents I’ve met here--this peace of mind is priceless. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, Panama offers a rare oasis of calm for families.
In contrast, school safety has become a serious concern for many families in the U.S., where bulletproof backpacks and active-shooter drills are a routine part of childhood. The sad reality is that American students, parents, and teachers carry the constant mental burden of potential school shootings. This is not the case in Panama.
While Panama certainly faces issues like occasional bullying or youth delinquency in specific areas, the government’s focus is on prevention and education, not metal detectors or armed guards. When a few schools in higher-risk areas discussed installing metal detectors in 2023, the Minister of Education quickly shut it down, stating that they “don’t solve the root problem.” Instead, schools are working alongside youth police units to identify at-risk students early and intervene through counseling.
There are no armed guards patrolling Panama’s school campuses. No TSA-style security checks at the door. And parents don’t live in fear that their child won’t come home from school. To me—and to many of the parents I’ve met here--this peace of mind is priceless. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, Panama offers a rare oasis of calm for families.
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