Mandatory School Protection Concepts Missing in Five German States

Protection concepts designed to curb abuse in schools are not mandatory in five German federal states, according to Kerstin Claus, the federal government's independent ombudsperson for abuse.

Claus stated that states including Bremen, Bavaria, Hamburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony have not made these crucial protection concepts compulsory. These concepts are intended to prevent abuse and establish clear procedures for handling incidents when they occur.

Beyond just implementing these concepts, Claus emphasized the need for existing measures to be actively put into practice. "We repeatedly notice a lack of practical competence and quality assurance mechanisms," she remarked, highlighting a gap between policy and execution.

To gain a more accurate understanding of the prevalence of abuse among children and adolescents, a comprehensive survey involving approximately 10,000 students is scheduled to commence this autumn. The findings from this significant study are anticipated to be released by the end of 2027, providing much-needed data on the issue.