The law obliges all schools to teach their pupils about and foster respect for the core values of the democratic rule of law. Schools are already legally required to provide citizenship education, but it is often unclear to them exactly what is expected. Education Minister Arie Slob has therefore clarified and strengthened the statutory duty for schools.
The law contains a common core that all schools must meet. For example, pupils must be taught the core values of the democratic rule of law: freedom, equality and solidarity. Pupils must also be able to practise the skills they will later need to participate in society, such as listening to one another’s opinions and responding to them respectfully. In addition, the law states that pupils and staff must be able to feel safe and accepted at school.
Essential task for schools, says Slob
Education Minister Arie Slob said: “Citizenship is the way in which we participate in society together. It is important that we do so with respect for one another, for democracy and the rule of law, and for the freedoms everyone has. Alongside parents and carers, schools have an essential role in teaching these values to children and young people. The way in which they do this is up to the schools themselves, in keeping with the freedom of education. However, the law does contain a common core that all schools must meet, which also gives them clarity.”
“Teachers and schools cannot do this alone”
The law on citizenship education is a good starting point, according to Karlijn Stals of the Netherlands Youth Institute. “It is good that more guidance is being provided on how schools can address this. That gives teachers and schools direction and helps prepare teachers properly for this task. But they cannot do this alone.”
According to Stals, schools and teachers already have many responsibilities. “Among other things, they must provide citizenship education, promote a healthy lifestyle, combat polarisation and teach children to navigate the media. These are major challenges for our society. These tasks should not be the sole responsibility of schools and teachers. All adults around a child have a role to play, including sports clubs, community coaches, family members and certainly parents as well.”