State Secretary Mariëlle Paul (Fundamental Education and Emancipation): “Being bullied or feeling unsafe at school leaves deep scars. These can sometimes be lifelong traumas. Learning then becomes impossible. Therefore, we must do everything we can to prevent this and to resolve it quickly if it does happen. Fortunately, many schools are doing well, but I want to seize every opportunity to ensure that all students and educational staff can go to school safely. This law will help with that.”

Schools are already required to ensure a safe learning environment. They must have and implement policies for this and monitor student safety annually. They are also required to have a coordinator for anti-bullying policies and a point of contact for bullying. In addition, there is already a reporting, consultation, and reporting obligation in primary education, secondary education, vocational education, and higher education for signs of sexual abuse of minors. Staff members must report signs of sexual abuse of a student by a staff member or volunteer to the school or institution board.

Since things are still not good enough everywhere, the bill takes further steps in this regard. For a safe school culture, it is first important to gain better insight into insecurity at the outset, so that schools can take action more quickly when things go wrong or even prevent unsafe situations. Therefore, the existing student monitor, which surveys the safety of students, will be expanded with questions about specific forms of insecurity, such as bullying. Additionally, schools will be required to register safety incidents. Serious incidents must also be reported to the Education Inspectorate.

To intervene more quickly, the reporting and consultation obligation will also be expanded. First, educational staff must now not only report signs of sexual abuse but also signs of sexual harassment to the school board. Additionally, signs of sexual abuse and sexual harassment of adult students must also be reported. The school or institution board must consult with the confidential inspector regarding that report.

To better help and support victims, schools will also be required to have 2 confidential advisors - one who works within the school and one outside. Students, staff, and parents will have a place to go for advice and support if they experience insecurity. And because an open conversation about safety is essential for good safety policy, schools must evaluate their safety policy annually.

The bill has been adjusted in several respects following advice from the Council of State. The new legislation will first be discussed with the House of Representatives and then with the Senate. The aim is for the new law to come into effect from the 2026-2027 school year. Schools that want to get started with it now can turn to the Foundation School & Safety for support.