Punishing the parents of uncooperative students with 2500 euros
Teachers in Austria are increasingly suffering not only from student behavior in the classrooms but also from a lack of cooperation from their parents. The statements made by Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) have sparked widespread controversy after he called for imposing fines on parents who do not cooperate with schools.
In Lower Austria, penalties have already been imposed on parents in the kindergarten sector. If there is no cooperation with the educational institution, the penalty can reach up to 2500 euros.
"Heute" newspaper inquired about the daily situation in schools in Upper Austria. One experienced school principal confirmed that the problems are not limited to students alone. If a student interrupts the lesson or insults teachers or classmates, they are asked to sit outside the classroom, and parents are informed to come and take them.
But this procedure often encounters a lack of response from parents. The director explains: "When we call, we often hear excuses like 'I am sick' or 'I cannot come to pick up my child.'" He also pointed out that some ignore calls from the school or cancel agreed appointments.
The director expressed his support for imposing financial penalties on parents who do not respond to the educational institution. He emphasized that there has been a concerning trend for some time: "Some parents are no longer able to handle their children, and they seem completely incapable of managing them."