Child Advocacy Groups Urge Immediate Action for Violence Prevention and Child-Centric Crisis Support

In response to recent tragic events in Graz, several child advocacy organizations in Austria are calling for urgent action to ensure the safety and well-being of children and adolescents. Among the groups participating in this initiative are Rat auf Draht, the Austrian Red Cross Youth, the Austrian League for Child and Youth Health, möwe, and SOS Children's Village. They emphasize the need for comprehensive measures that extend beyond the often-limited focus on mental health.

According to Nora Deinhammer, the managing director of Rat auf Draht, there has been a significant increase in consultations recently. Many children and teenagers are expressing fear that similar incidents could occur in their schools or neighborhoods. Parents are concerned about how to discuss these events with their children and help them cope. This widespread sense of helplessness highlights the critical importance of psychosocial support services, not only in times of crisis but as a regular component of society's response to mental health challenges.

Deinhammer advocates for accessible and sustainable psychological and social support systems, which include increasing the number of school psychologists and social workers, as well as providing free therapy options. She stresses that children and teenagers require tools to effectively manage their emotions and challenges, and it is the responsibility of society to equip them with these resources.

Annmarie Schlack, managing director of SOS Children's Village, emphasizes that since 2014, the organization has been a key supporter of Rat auf Draht. However, current funding relies heavily on private donations, which is not sustainable long-term. She points out that many of the approximately 1,800 children and adolescents in their care have experienced violence, neglect, or emotional instability. For these children, a stable and supportive environment is crucial.

Schlack insists that policies must prioritize the protection and well-being of children and families, arguing that the government must provide structural and financial support to stabilize family systems. She criticizes recent proposals to suspend the indexation of child benefits and childcare allowances, stating that true commitment to child welfare requires financial and social stability for families.

Sonja Kuba, head of the Austrian Red Cross Youth, notes the importance of preventive measures in schools. Skills developed through prevention programs can empower youth to handle emergencies effectively. She highlights the prevalence of first aid courses provided by the Austrian Red Cross Youth, which reach around 90,000 students annually, and calls for increased funding to expand these and other mental health initiatives.

Hedwig Wölfl, vice president of the Austrian League for Child and Youth Health and leader of möwe, underscores the necessity of incorporating violence prevention education into school curricula from an early age. She advocates for age-appropriate workshops focusing on non-violent communication, conflict resolution, and media literacy, as well as the establishment of multi-disciplinary health teams in schools to support students' mental health needs.

Wölfl also emphasizes the need for stricter regulations on private gun ownership in light of recent violence, advocating for more comprehensive psychological evaluations for firearm possession. She argues that such measures could contribute to preventing further tragedies.