Student-Teacher Relations: Austrian Laws And Morality

In Austria, the topic of sex and sexuality is not a taboo. The Austrian International Sex School in Vienna offers a diploma in sex for anyone over the age of 16. The country also made headlines when an elementary school teacher was fired for her side hustle as an online sex coach.

Sex education in Austrian schools

In Austria, sex education is part of the obligatory educational programme, which starts in primary school (around the age of 10) and ends in secondary school. It is integrated into different subjects, with children first approaching the topic in biology classes. Here, they learn about basic aspects of sexuality, such as body anatomy, the importance of proper body hygiene, and puberty. This initial teaching can be delivered through non-formal education methods, such as games or short videos.

In middle and secondary school, the themes become more advanced, covering biological aspects, pregnancy, contraception, love, marriage, gender roles, HIV, and sexual and domestic violence. Young people engage with these topics in classes and through external sources, such as NGOs and social media. The government also funds additional programmes, including workshops in schools, to inform students about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The Ministry of Education is responsible for the curriculum, which was last updated in 2024. This update describes the educational and social objectives, aiming to encourage the development of young people's talents, knowledge, and abilities as part of their overall education and personality development. Sex education should be incorporated throughout the curriculum and approached from different subject standpoints.

Despite having a comprehensive outline, Austrian sex education faces challenges. These include a lack of well-trained teachers, religious aspects, and conservative parents who believe this type of education is inappropriate and encourages children to have sex. However, studies show that students who receive formal sex education tend to have their first sexual intercourse later than those who do not.

In recent news, an Austrian elementary school teacher was fired for her side hustle as an online sex and love coach. The educational authority in Upper Austria evaluated her online activities, after which the school board deemed that there was no longer public confidence in her ability to carry out her official teaching duties.

Sex school in Vienna

The Austrian International Sex School in Vienna, also known as the world's first college of applied sexuality, offers a unique educational experience for its students. Founded by Swedish artist Ylva-Maria Thompson, the school provides a range of practical lessons in seduction and lovemaking.

Courses and Curriculum

The school offers five different courses, including extra-curricular activities and additional tuition for those who feel they need extra practice. The curriculum covers various topics such as sexual positions, caressing techniques, and anatomical features. The emphasis of the teaching is on practical, hands-on experience rather than theory.

Student Life and Accommodation

Students are expected to stay in a co-ed dormitory block where they can easily practice their "homework." The mixed-gender living arrangement facilitates a more immersive and interactive learning environment.

Enrollment and Qualifications

The Austrian International Sex School welcomes students from all backgrounds, with the only requirement being that they are over the age of 16. This inclusive approach ensures that anyone with an interest in improving their sexual skills and knowledge can enrol. Upon completion of the course, students are awarded a qualification, recognising their newfound expertise.

Controversy and Impact

The school generated controversy due to its raunchy advertisements, which led to a ban on TV. However, the school's founder, Ylva-Maria Thompson, defended the institution's purpose, stating that it aims to teach the art of being a better lover. The school's existence sparked discussions about sex education and the importance of practical knowledge in this field.

Teacher fired for sex coaching

An Austrian elementary school teacher, Monika Rahel Ring, was fired by her school for her side hustle as an online sex and love coach. Known as the "Orgasm-pope" on Facebook and TikTok, the 47-year-old promoted her services, which were designed to enhance one's sexual experience with multiple orgasms. Individuals who paid for her services could participate in motivational sessions via Zoom.

The School's Response

The educational authority in Upper Austria promptly initiated an evaluation of Ring's activities and the school board ultimately decided to terminate her employment. The head of the school board, Alfred Klampfer, stated that the decision was made "after careful consideration", deeming that there was no longer public confidence in Ring's ability to carry out her official duties as a teacher.

Ring's Response

Ring, however, asserted that she committed no wrongdoing and has enlisted the services of a lawyer to contest her termination in court. Her lawyer stated, "I would have thought that a school board in the 21st century would be a bit more enlightened."

Austrian private schools

In Austria, private schools are educational institutions that are not funded by the government. Instead, they are financed by parents, sponsors, and charities. They offer a range of curricula and teaching methods, with the majority being run by the Roman Catholic Church. These schools have a reputation for more discipline and rigor than public institutions, and some are considered elite.

Private primary schools in Austria are an option for children from wealthy or international families. They are more expensive than state schools, with tuition fees starting from €5,000 per year, not including additional costs for food, activities, and registration. International schools, which offer a non-German language of instruction, are also available and tend to be similarly priced.

The application process for private schools in Austria can be quite complicated for foreign students. They are typically required to submit proof of identity, academic records, language proficiency certificates, teacher endorsements, a statement of purpose, enrollment and school forms, and participate in a personal interview.

Examples of prestigious private schools in Austria include:

• Amadeus International School Vienna
• American International School in Salzburg
• Schloss Krumbach International School (Castle School in Austria)
• St. Gilgen International School
• Danube International School Vienna
• Webster Vienna Private University

Austrian public schools

In Austria, education is free and mandatory for nine years. The Austrian public school system is governed by the School Act of 1962, with the Federal Ministry of Education responsible for funding and supervising primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

Sexuality education is a mandatory part of the curriculum in Austrian public schools, starting in primary school (around age 10) and continuing through secondary school. The Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs has issued a decree outlining the educational and social objectives of sex education, which include encouraging the development of young people's talents, knowledge, and abilities as part of their overall education and personality development. Sex education is integrated into various subjects, with the topic first introduced in biology classes in primary school, covering basic aspects such as body anatomy, hygiene, and puberty. In middle and secondary school, the curriculum expands to include biological aspects, pregnancy, contraception, love, marriage, gender roles, HIV, and sexual and domestic violence.

While sexuality education is comprehensive and supported by the government, there are some challenges. One issue is the lack of well-trained teachers to deliver this type of education effectively. Additionally, religious aspects and conservative parents can sometimes hinder the implementation of comprehensive sex education in public schools. Despite these challenges, studies have shown that students who receive formal sex education in schools tend to have their first sexual intercourse later than those who do not, highlighting the importance of providing age-appropriate and medically accurate information to young people.

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