Sex education at Upper Austrian primary schools not considered age-appropriate

The teacher's lawyer, who joined the programme, objected that the film shown was approved for sex education lessons. There were no sex scenes and no naked people in the film. Books used for sex education lessons had also been available at a parents' evening, but nobody had looked at them. Although a condom was shown in class, no one was forced to use it. His client's lessons were age-appropriate and all points of criticism were disputed.

A psychologist who was also present in the programme described the attacking of condoms as age-appropriate. Sexual education is important for a positive body image and should be taught as early as possible. However, non-ideologised factual information is also important here.

Ombudswoman Elisabeth Schwetz emphasised that the most important thing is the welfare of the child. Sex education is necessary, but the lessons must be age-appropriate. Teachers must take this into account. A statement from the responsible education directorate did not contain any concrete answers. "Parents feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously. However, parents should have a good feeling when they send their children to school," said Schwetz. The Directorate of Education and the school should endeavour to find a basis for communication with the parents concerned. The Ombudsman Board will continue to look into the matter in the interests of the child's welfare.
 

Inquiry: Petition for traffic restriction on Burgenland provincial road

The residents of a small Burgenland community in the district of Mattersburg had complained about through traffic. The provincial road that crosses the village causes traffic noise. Hardly anyone adhered to a 50 km/h limit. The mayor of the municipality would like to see traffic-calming measures, such as lane dividers or planting. A 30 km/h zone with controls and radar boxes would also be required in the local area.

Appeals to the Ombudsman's Office brought the first steps in the right direction. Manhole covers that caused noise when driven over have been replaced since the case was first reported. Aerial photos have been taken and the concept planning has been handed over to a planning office. Citizens have also been involved in the process. A 30 km/h restriction in the local area was created over a distance of 400 metres and with a time limit, which does not go far enough for local residents. Compliance with the speed limit is also not being monitored. The Mattersburg district authority announced further construction measures at the entrance to the town. Radar boxes at fixed locations were rejected. Ombudswoman Schwetz described the development as positive: "The 30 km/h zone, which also serves to protect schoolchildren, was also enacted as a result of the intervention of the Ombudsman Board. The official procedure in such a sensitive area should be carried out more quickly."