Missing two days of school might not sound like a big deal, but for one family in Baar, Zug, it turned into a very expensive mistake. 1000 Swiss Francs!
Here is what happened and why the fines are so high.
A Heavy Fine for Two Days Off School
According to this Lucerne Newspaper, A set of parents was recently ordered to pay 1,000 Swiss francs because their child skipped school for just two days.
The local authorities decided that the absence was not allowed and that the parents failed to follow the rules. In Switzerland, going to school is a legal requirement, and the government takes it very seriously.
Rules Are Rules, Right?
In the Canton of Zug, the law requires parents to ensure their children attend school every day. You cannot simply take your child out of school for a surprise trip or a longer holiday.
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If you want your child to miss school for a special reason, you have to ask the school for permission well in advance. If the school says no and you still stay home, you are breaking the law.
Why Is It So Expensive?
The 1,000-franc fine is meant to send a strong message. Officials believe that being in school is the most important thing for a child’s learning.
By making the fine so high, they hope to stop other parents from doing the same thing. They want people to know that school schedules are more important than family travel plans. Which in this day and age, seems to not be the case!
What Parents Should Know
This story is a good reminder to always check the school calendar before booking a trip. If your child needs to be away, talk to the teacher or the principal as soon as possible. As this family found out, an extra two days of vacation can end up costing much more than a hotel room.
