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School start in Vienna: Mental health in the focus of the new concepts!
Vice Mayor Emmerling and Director of Education Fuchs present important measures for mental health in Vienna's schools.
School start in Vienna: Mental health in the focus of the new concepts!
An important school year is approaching: around 253,000 children and young people in Vienna are starting the new school year, and while the anticipation of education is great, safety and mental health are also in focus. Vice Mayor and Education Councilor Bettina Emmerling (Neos) and Education Director Elisabeth Fuchs today presented the innovations that are to be implemented in Vienna's compulsory schools. A central theme is the 600 additional workshops that will take place as part of the “Mental Health Days” to support students with topics such as bullying, depression and suicidality. This also confirms My district.
As part of these initiatives, 1,250 vacancies in the education sector were filled in July. Nevertheless, 240 positions remain unfilled, and it is clear that class teachers are urgently needed, especially at elementary schools. According to the opposition, the staff shortage is viewed critically as interim solutions could be necessary in 22 positions. It remains to be seen whether these challenges will be overcome in time.
Protecting mental health
The urgency of measures to strengthen mental health recently became particularly clear in view of a tragic shooting spree in Graz. The incident, in which 11 people died, prompted the federal government to take action courier reported. Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) announced extensive steps to expand psychosocial support staff in schools and create new prevention programs.
A first package of measures is to be decided on Wednesday in the Council of Ministers. The plan is to double the number of school psychologists from 190 to 390 by the end of 2027. In addition, new external prevention programs for young people and an increase in school social work are being undertaken in order to better meet the needs of the students.
Forward-looking educational initiatives
A further look into the future shows that new workshops on mental health and psychosocial support will also be offered in schools from 2026. Education Minister Wiederkehr emphasizes the need to take such problems seriously and to pay particular attention to youth coaching in metropolitan areas. The “Strong School, Strong Society” initiative will also be doubled to four million euros annually in order to meet the campaigns to prevent school dropouts and radicalization, reports Federal Chancellery.
The past year has shown that psychological stress among young people has increased, exacerbated by crises such as the corona pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. Studies show that 45 percent of teens are reluctant to talk about their problems, further highlighting the need for open dialogue.
In summary, Viennese schools are facing important and necessary changes that focus on both the safety and well-being of students. A clear focus on mental health and adequate support are essential to enable young people to develop healthily.