A 13-year-old girl, Natalie, was accidentally locked inside Konradsberg School in Stockholm after falling asleep in a rest room. Her mother, Paula Mann, criticized the school's communication and safety protocols. Despite efforts to locate her, Natalie eventually found her way out and contacted her mother. The incident highlights concerns over school safety and communication, especially for students with special needs.
Teenager Locked Inside School After Falling Asleep
Teenager Locked Inside School After Falling Asleep
A girl fell asleep in a rest room and woke up alone in a locked school. Her mother's criticism targets the routines and lack of communication at Konradsberg School.
On a Friday afternoon around 5 PM, Paula Mann's 13-year-old daughter Natalie had not yet returned home from Konradsberg School in central Stockholm.
– I checked the GPS app and saw she was still at school. Very strange, says Paula.
She went there – the doors were locked. Paula called the principal, who referred her to the cleaning company for assistance.
Eventually, she contacted the police, who directed her to the security company.
– The security guard arrived, and we went in. Then I suddenly saw her through a glass bridge connecting the school buildings, says Paula.
However, Paula and the security guard could not enter the corridor, as it was locked with an upper lock for which the guard had no key.
Locked Doors – and No Adults Present
Natalie, 13, had laid down in the school's rest room and fallen asleep. When she woke up, she was alone. Additionally, her mobile phone had been taken.
– She walked around the school looking for an adult. But there was no one, says Paula.
Around 8 PM, while Paula and the security guard were trying to reach Natalie, she found a way out. However, she did not find her mother and went home, calling Paula from there.
Paula is strongly critical of the school's handling. Her daughter has autism, and for Paula, it is obvious that children should be woken up if they fall asleep and have their phones returned.
She feels the communication has been lacking.
– I sent an angry email, but the only response I received is that they will have a meeting. No one has said, "Sorry, we made a mistake."
What does Natalie herself say about what happened?
– She was very upset and worried. She really felt: "What is happening? Why am I alone in here?"
"Assume Students Go Home"
Principal Eva Andersson at Konradsberg School says the doors to the school are locked from the outside, but it is still possible to exit.
She claims the school has clear routines to prevent students from staying after school hours, but there was a gap between rounds.
– It is very unusual for children to lie down and sleep at school. Of course, it is unpleasant for the student, but as a parent, you also have responsibility for your child's return home.