Penalties for parents unwilling to integrate: Mikl-Leitner calls for action!

Penalties for parents unwilling to integrate: Mikl-Leitner calls for action!

In Lower Austria, the initiative to introduce penalties for parents unwilling to integrate is becoming concrete. Today, State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner expressed her support for the announcement by Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr, who is initiating preparatory work for the legal implementation of these penalties. This is the result of months of demands from state politicians to ensure greater commitment from parents to the integration of their children into the education system. A corresponding law for kindergartens has already been passed in the Lower Austrian state parliament.

Mikl-Leitner emphasizes the urgent need to secure federal support for tightening the obligation to cooperate in schools. “Lower Austria sees itself as a pioneer in the zero-tolerance policy towards those who refuse to integrate,” she explains. However, there is a strong focus on the critical attitude towards fathers who do not shake hands with teachers or forbid their daughters from taking part in swimming lessons. Imposed penalties are up to 2,500 euros and should be implemented quickly.

The role of educational institutions

State Councilor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister emphasizes that this initiative is also about protecting the rights of teachers and creating a positive school climate. The education side expects parents to actively participate in school life, which indicates that supporting students and teachers has been put on the agenda. In this context, an “obligation to cooperate” on the part of legal guardians in school matters was anchored in the government program, which was positively received by the parents' associations.

Evelyn Kometter, chairwoman of the parents' associations at compulsory schools, emphasizes that the active involvement of parents is crucial for children's learning. She sees the points in the education chapter in the government program as valuable measures to meet the demands of parents' associations for more participation rights. This shows that the implementation of these requirements is of great importance for the future of schools in Austria.

The current measures and considerations in Lower Austria represent a step towards a consistent and supportive education system that places the integration of children at the center of its policy. The clear goal: to promote a future-oriented, values-based school system and at the same time increase the pressure on parents to do their part for integration.

For more information read the reports from Niederösterreich.gv.at and DerStandard.at.