Record rise in suspensions: violence forces hundreds of students out of classrooms
The number of suspensions in Austrian schools has risen to unprecedented levels in recent years. In Vienna alone, 784 students were excluded from classes during the 2024/25 school year, compared to only 278 cases in 2017/18. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers have sharply increased, making it difficult for schools to maintain discipline.
Upper Austria is facing a similar crisis. Figures released by the education authority revealed that 606 students were expelled last year, compared to only 190 five years ago. This increase of more than threefold highlights the growing challenge for teachers and school administrations in the region.
According to the Director of Education in Upper Austria, Alfred Klapfer, the increase is partly due to greater awareness and monitoring of violent incidents and misbehavior. He also pointed to external factors such as family pressures, a low ability to tolerate frustration, and students' difficulty in adhering to school rules, which often leads to aggressive behavior.
Teachers are often the first to experience this aggression. Reports include threats, cases of arson, and even physical assaults. Reports have indicated that one teacher in the Linz area was subjected to what is called a "stereo slap," highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
To address the crisis, Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (Neos) announced plans to introduce mandatory supervision for suspended students starting in 2026. Under this program, children will receive between 10 and 20 hours of educational and psychological support before being returned to classrooms, in an effort to reduce the recurrence of incidents and help restore stability within schools.