Number of Truants in Vienna Explodes

Being absent from school without an excuse is considered an administrative offense in Austria. Parents, in particular, face the risk of being reported if their school-age children are absent without excuse for more than three days. Last year, over 6,000 such reports were recorded in Vienna, representing an increase of 27 percent compared to previous years, as reported by ORF.

Penalties and Consequences for Violations of Compulsory Schooling

Parents and children must expect severe penalties for violations of compulsory schooling. The fine can be up to 440 euros. If this fine is not paid, a substitute prison sentence of up to two weeks may be imposed. Schools are also obliged to report unexcused absences to the district offices. In the last school year, more than 6,000 such reports were recorded, leading to around 2,700 initiated legal proceedings and fines.

Planned Law with Higher Penalties

The Vienna ÖVP describes the increasing violations of compulsory schooling as an alarming trend. Inquiries to the NEOS education council office and current inquiries from the ÖVP confirm the significant increase in this issue in recent years. At the federal level, a law is currently under review that will provide for higher penalties for violations of compulsory schooling in the future. The Vienna ÖVP is advocating for the swift implementation of these measures.

(Red)

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