Social Security, Quality Care, and Vocational Training Affirmed as Key Priorities by Family Affairs Minister Plakolm
In a recent study presented by Family Minister Claudia Plakolm, the situation of children and youth in Austria has been scrutinised. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Austrian Institute for Family Research and the Data Project Group of the Children's Rights Board, offers insights into various aspects of child welfare.
One of the most significant findings is the remarkable increase in kindergarten attendance rates over the years. The kindergarten attendance rate for children under 3 years old has risen from 4.6% in 1995 to around 33% in 2023, and for children aged 3 to 6 years, it has risen from 71% to 94%. This upward trend indicates a growing commitment to early childhood education in Austria.
However, the visit rate for under 3-year-olds still lags behind, with only 32.8% of under 3-year-olds attending kindergarten in 2023, compared to 35% for those aged 3 to 6 years. This disparity is an area that requires further attention and investment.
The school system in Austria has also seen changes. In 2023, there were 356,598 pupils aged 6 to under 10 at the start of the school year. The proportion of pupils in (New) Middle Schools fell from 61% in 2010 to 56% in 2023, while the number of pupils in special schools rose from 32% to 35% in the same period.
Internet usage among 16- to 19-year-olds is almost ubiquitous, with over 98% using the internet at least once in the last 3 months. Of these, 346,901 (97%) went to primary school and 4,270 (1%) to a special school.
The report also highlights the improved safety measures in place to protect children. The penalty for child abusers has been doubled, and a separate penalty framework has been introduced for the commercial distribution of child abuse images.
However, the study also acknowledges the existence of an unreported 'dark figure' for real case numbers. This underscores the need for continued vigilance and efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
Notably, the number of reported cases of child abuse has increased from 465 to 2245 in 10 years, with a clearance rate of over 85% since 2015 (previously mentioned: clearance rate of over 90%). This increase in reporting suggests a growing awareness and willingness to address child abuse issues.
The study also shows that the children's rights promised in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are pursued in a continuous process and are largely fulfilled today. The federal government is committing to financially supporting families with children, with the largest part being family allowance, amounting to nearly 4 billion euros. Funding for support systems increased to 12.4 billion euros in 2023.
Organizations and associations can certify their work in the field of children and youth work with a quality seal. This initiative aims to promote high-quality services and ensure that the rights of children and young people are respected and upheld.
In conclusion, the study offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of children's welfare in Austria. While significant progress has been made in areas such as education and internet safety, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring equal access to early childhood education and addressing the unreported cases of child abuse. The report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders in their ongoing efforts to improve the lives of children and young people in Austria.
