The City of Vienna is planning further initiatives to tackle violence in schools, building on the success of existing measures.
Education Councillor Christoph Wiederkehr outlined the new plans, which include a programme targeting young repeat offenders under the age of 14 who have committed serious offences.
These children will receive support through a guidance programme in close cooperation with the police and youth welfare services, with an estimated €500,000 allocated to the project. If the children live with their families, the families will also be involved. However, should the families fail to cooperate, custody proceedings may be initiated.
The new measures follow an earlier violence protection package that helped reduce the number of suspensions from 814 in the 2022/23 school year to 756 in the 2023/24 school year, marking a decrease of over 7%.
The majority of suspensions affected secondary schools (55%), followed by special schools (19%), primary schools (14%) and upper secondary schools (8%). The majority of suspended students were male (87%) and aged between 11 and 15. Suspensions typically last no longer than 15 days.
Increased Focus on Derad Cooperation
Other key initiatives include increased funding for the existing training programme for students at risk of suspension, which has now been boosted to €535,000.
The City of Vienna is also enhancing its collaboration with Derad, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to countering radicalisation.
“We are seeing a stronger Salafist online movement, which is affecting young people,” Wiederkehr said, adding that teachers would be able to report concerns to Derad more frequently, allowing them to manage the issue without taking on the burden themselves.
Support for Families and Students
Vienna is also expanding the number of places available in the FiSch (Family in Schools) classes, which are designed to support both parents and children. The number of places at eight competence centres will rise from 100 to 300.
These classes temporarily bring parents and children together to observe the child’s behaviour at school, after which they work together to improve it. Parents also receive guidance in their parenting efforts. “These places can be used multiple times a year,” said Education Director Elisabeth Fuchs. “Children and parents are only expected to stay for a limited period.”
