Fear of school, bullying, expulsion: she steps in before things get out of hand

Lëtzebuerger Journal: Marguerite Krier, you've now completed your first year as a school mediator. How has the experience been so far?

It's been an intense year. Although I already had some idea of what my work would involve, it's still more varied than I thought. No two situations are 100 per cent alike.

The school mediation service is now well known. Could you nevertheless explain once more why it exists?

The service was set up in 2018 to support pupils who, despite the many existing support services, fall through the net and drop out of the school system. Its aim is to provide information, guidance and, above all, to mediate in cases where no solution can be found at local level and positions have become entrenched. The aim is to work with those involved to find an amicable solution after all.

What lessons have you learnt from the first year?

What has particularly struck me this year is just how much lies behind a seemingly simple 'need'. Behind an enquiry there are often emotions, personal experiences, family circumstances and expectations. To really understand what someone needs and what lies behind their request, you have to take the time to look more closely.

Which development is currently causing you the most concern?

The issue of school anxiety is becoming increasingly important to me. My French counterpart's activity report is based almost entirely on this topic. Where does 'phobie scolaire' come from? What are the causes that lead young people to no longer want to go to school out of fear? What measures can be put in place to tackle this? We are discussing this issue extensively internally and take it very seriously.

Violence in and outside schools is another issue, particularly in connection with mobile phones and social media. These days, any altercation is immediately filmed and shared. The roles of victim and perpetrator can sometimes switch in the blink of an eye. This speed presents us with new challenges.