As students return to school in Luxembourg, teachers' union SEW is urging educational authorities to limit mobile phone use and reduce reliance on technology in classrooms, while also calling for enhanced support for teachers.

The Education and Science Union (SEW) within the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) is advocating for stricter restrictions on mobile phone use and a reduction in the reliance on tablets and computers in schools.

The SEW is also urging a revised approach to inclusion, with a focus on providing more support for teachers facing crisis situations and utilising "Quereinsteiger"–professionals from education-adjacent fields–only in cases of staff shortages.

The union further emphasises the need for better advance information about students with special needs before the school year begins.

Additionally, the SEW calls for the development of a framework to support children who struggle to integrate into conventional schools due to psychological, social, or behavioural issues. The union also recommends offering professional support training for part-time teachers and reserving training for "Quereinsteiger" for times when there is a clear shortage of staff.

RTL

© Fanny Kinsch

According to the SEW, teachers are experiencing mounting pressure to perform their duties under optimal conditions. Reports indicate that some teachers feel they are being monitored at work and that regional or school management may exert pressure to discourage union membership.