School closings hit the wrong people: Switzerland cannot give in to pressure

Once again, Switzerland is becoming a special case of corona. This time in terms of distance learning. OK then!

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In almost all European countries, schools will be closed for at least a week after the festive season, in Austria even until January 15th. Most of the cantons, however, seem to be able to withstand the pressure to emulate the European surrounding area, even though louder “international cooperation” is being called for.

Solothurn and Nidwalden, which start three days later, go the furthest at primary schools, otherwise face-to-face classes usually start again on Monday.

That’s right. In contrast to the ski area special case, the meaning of which can be argued, the school special case is well founded. Just a few days ago, a Zurich study showed that schools are not sources of infection and that children are not drivers of pandemics. As always with Corona, the situation is not absolutely clear; a British study was more critical of the role of schools.

In any case, drastic measures such as school closings must not only be decided on the basis of epidemiological criteria. It is important to also listen to other sciences. Educational research has shown that primary school children learned much less during the spring lockdown. And that socially disadvantaged families suffer particularly from distance learning.

Children also have rights and the right to protection in this crisis. And let’s not forget your grandparents: when school buildings are closed, they are often forced to take over care and thus expose themselves to risks. And that is exactly what you should avoid.