The Italian authorities have brought back to schools the behavior assessment originally introduced during the time of Benito Mussolini, the German newspaper BILD reports, as quoted by Focus.
The voto di condotta (“evaluation of conduct“) rule was introduced in Italian schools in 1924, shortly after Mussolini came to power, but was repealed in 1970. Now Prime Minister Georgia Meloni's government is restoring it as part of education reform.
Middle and high school students will receive a behavior score from 1 to 10. Those who score below a five will not be able to advance to the next grade. Students with a score of six will have to write an essay on "Active Citizenship and Solidarity" to continue their studies.
In addition, the new rules introduce fines of up to €10,000 for teenagers who abuse teachers. In this year, cases of attacks against teachers have increased by 110% compared to the same period in 2023. In July, a ban on the use of smartphones was also imposed in Italian schools.
Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said the new rules would restore “respect” in the country's schools. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara supported the measures, stressing the need to increase the “authority of teachers”. The Directors' Association also stood behind the new law, while the opposition criticized it.