Superintendence Updates Criteria for School Security Technologies (Chile, June 2026)
The Superintendence of Education issued Dictamen No. 78 to update criteria on security measures in schools. The guidance clarifies conditions for using technologies such as metal detectors or similar devices to detect weapons or dangerous items.
Source: Superintendencia de Educación
The Superintendence of Education issued Dictamen No. 78 to update criteria on security measures in schools. The guidance clarifies conditions for using technologies such as metal detectors or similar devices to detect weapons or dangerous items.
What Changed?
The regulator replaced earlier criteria with new guidance on security technologies in educational establishments. Schools may use devices such as gates, metal detectors, or similar tools only under defined conditions, including community agreement, an internal protocol, and the required reports or approvals.
Old System vs New System
Schools operated under earlier interpretive criteria, including Dictamen No. 65, with less updated guidance for security technologies in light of newer school safety and coexistence rules.
Dictamen No. 78 allows security technologies for detecting weapons or dangerous items when safeguards are met. It also clarifies that reviewing backpacks or personal belongings still requires an express legal basis before schools can apply that measure.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students may encounter security technologies in schools only where the required safeguards and protocols are in place.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents should expect school communities to be consulted or involved before these technologies are implemented.
School / Institution Impact
Schools must prepare protocols, obtain community agreement, and meet regulatory conditions before introducing security technology.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers gain clearer guidance on what security technologies may be used and what procedures must be followed before implementation.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-05: Dictamen No. 78 announced
- future school-level dates depend on each establishment's protocol and approval process.
What To Do
- Schools should review Dictamen No. 78 before buying or installing security technology
- and should not begin backpack checks unless an express legal rule allows it.
What To Watch Next
Watch for follow-up guidance after publication and implementation of related school safety laws.
Global Context
This change is useful for tracking how school safety regulation balances security measures, student rights, and school community participation.
Source Record
Source type: Official guidance
Source name: Superintendencia de Educación