MP Marc Spautz from the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) had already requested a debate on this topic a year ago. The speakers on Thursday reflected on the period of lockdown and remote schooling, emphasising the impact of the coronavirus on a generation’s mental health.
In this context, MP Djuna Bernard from the Green Party (Déi Gréng) expressed her frustration that the announced reimbursement of psychotherapy has still not been implemented.
The MP explained that, specifically, the project would entail “free psychotherapy, more places for inpatient and outpatient care, and diverse youth work.” Bernard stressed that “this cannot wait any longer, it has to happen now, as a top priority for our young people.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Education Claude Meisch stated that his Ministry has “mobilised a lot of resources to maintain the education system as much as possible”. The Minister pointed out that the results of several studies commissioned by the Ministry “may lead one to be optimistic”. Notably, the studies have found no major learning deficits in Luxembourg as a result of the pandemic. Meisch also highlighted the successful organisation of “regular final exams in secondary schools”.
The Minister added that his services are working on a reform of the Psycho-social and School Support Service (SePAS), formerly known as ‘Spos’.
Mental health should also be discussed at school, with SePAS meant to take over the task as “child protection officer”.
Meisch also called for better networking between the different actors: schools, youth centres, psychologists, and other health experts.
