In fact, all children aged six and older must attend school for nine years – according to the Compulsory Education Act. But there is an alternative in the form of homeschooling. Main condition: Students must take an external exam at the end of the school year. If the result is negative, the notification of compulsory school attendance will be received. This means: The affected child must return to school next school year.
Even the third punishment did not impress mother
But what if parents don’t care and leave their kids at home anyway? Then reminders are returned, but in the form of fines. This is also the case with a woman from the city of Salzburg who absolutely does not want to send her two school-age children, aged 13 and 11, to school. She now has to pay an additional 220 euros per child. And it was already the third penalty imposed, as shown by a ruling by the Salzburg Administrative Court.
The legal guardian and her partner repeatedly complained about the fine decisions. They even complained about double penalties, as penalties had already been imposed in November 2023 and May 2024 for “their children not going to school”. The children were able to make significant progress through self-determined learning during their time at home, according to the parents’ complaint, which they see as a “danger to child development” if their children return to school.
Both children failed the external exam
The fact is: The students were taught at home for the first time in the 2021/22 school year – approved at the time. Both failed the first external exam. The decision to move to compulsory education was issued in September 2022. However, neither of the two children has been to school so far. Instead, the authority imposed a fine for the third time. And if the “unlawful situation is maintained,” the court said, more could follow. In the ruling, the judges also emphasized that the woman “violated the fundamental rights of school children to education and training.” Education director Rudolf Mair knows that 110 students in Salzburg will be taught at home this school year – only a quarter compared to the Corona years. “Last school year, 80 students passed the external exam, eight did not,” Mair explains in an interview with the “Krone”.
These eight children should actually go to school this year. “Anyone who does not send children to school after a negative test is acting illegally. After all, it is about the right to education,” Mair emphasizes. And the punishments? According to the law, the authority can impose a maximum of 440 euros, which is hardly noticeable. “If you have stubborn refusers, you have to think about adjustments,” says Mair.
Antonio Lovric
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
