School community perceptions on the impact of COVID-19 school closures in Austria – a survey study

Abstract Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, measures were taken worldwide to contain the spread of the virus. Austria implemented school closures longer and more frequently than other countries, exposing pupils of a vulnerable age to potential long-term problems. Local data on perceptions of unintended consequences is still lacking. This survey aimed to investigate the perception of pupils, parents and teachers on unintended consequences of COVID-19-related school closures on pupils in Austria. We conducted a cross-sectional study from October 2024 to February 2025 and asked participants on their agreement with interview statements on the impact of school closures on educational losses, social inequality, distance learning, and long-term social development. In addition, unintended consequences of school closures identified through literature review such as mental and physical health, social behavior, school performance, abuse, suicidality, sleep, as well as parental financial difficulties, were evaluated. Health literacy was additionally measured using the HLS19 short form. Preliminary results from 1305 participants, including 484 pupils (14 yrs+, 53.0% female) and 821 teachers and parents (74.1% female) showed that the statement that socially disadvantaged families are particularly affected by the school closures received the most agreement among the groups. While pupils also strongly agreed with the statement that their social development might suffer in the future as a result of school closures, parents and teachers gave more weight to the statement that the reduced educational opportunities would have a negative impact on Austria's future economic and research position. Both groups recognized mental health as the most important area of unintended consequences, and both groups cite loneliness as the most impactful part. While pupils ranked depression and parental stress or anxiety second and third, parents and teachers regarded quality of life and depression more important. Key messages • This study ‘s preliminary findings showed that perceptions within the school community overlaped and had similar key factors but also highlighted different perceptions of parents, teachers and pupils. • This survey represents the first study on the school community's perception of the unintended consequences of COVID-19 school closures on pupils in Austria.