Andorra Education Minister Defends Pupil Survey on Porn, Sexting and Suicide

Education Minister Ladislau Baró has defended questionnaires sent to primary school pupils aged 9 to 11 on their exposure to online risks including pornography, sexting, adult propositions, dating apps and suicidal thoughts, following objections from opposition councillor Noemí Amador.

Amador, from Andorra Endavant, challenged the survey's suitability during a Consell General session, arguing it disregarded pupils' developmental stages. She cited questions on suicide and adult apps as inappropriate, noting her own son completed it without her prior awareness. "Educate and prevent, yes, demand tools and data, also, but we must respect the maturational rhythm of pupils and children, and the questionnaire does not," she said. Amador also questioned the pedagogical, psychological and child protection criteria justifying such content in a school setting.

Baró responded that the tools, designed by psychopedagogical and psychological experts and adapted by age, provide essential evidence for protection policies rather than relying on assumptions. "We know things reach them that neither families nor schools control," he said of unregulated digital influences. He stressed a triple consent process—school, family and pupil—and confirmed questionnaires went to parents weeks ahead, with pupil privacy protected. Baró acknowledged notification lapses, such as Amador's case, pledging to fix the "mechanical problem."

The minister highlighted similar practices in neighbouring education systems, warning that confronting digital realities cannot be ignored.

In related health questions, Amador raised hospital surgical equipment shortages, claiming they prevent operations and drive doctors away. Health Minister Helena Mas outlined a multi-year investment plan based on service needs, activity volume, resource efficiency and patient numbers. It has allocated €12 million in recent years, always consulted with staff. She clarified complex cases go to reference centres abroad for quality assurance, not due to underinvestment, and noted a new surgical robot to enhance SAAS services and attract professionals.

Separately, Presidency, Economy, Work and Housing Minister Conxita Marsol reported a 20% drop in foreign investment applications from January to May 2026 compared to 2025, crediting government limits on real estate purchases. Social Democrat councillor Pere Baró countered with 2025 data showing a 55.5% rise to €514.3 million—12% of GDP—with patrimonial operations at 65.2% of total investment, up 525.9% from 2024. He argued housing remains a financial product, not security for citizens.

Marsol called 2025 a normative transition year, urging caution until full 2026 figures emerge. She said the government would review a Social Democrat ban proposal if needed and is studying vacant property measures amid rising public housing demand. Head of Government Xavier Espot added work on broader rental deregulation aid, beyond the current 30% income threshold.

On the new Caubella national heliport, opening next week, Espot defended the €8.9 million commitment—€6.5 million paid—with outcomes shared based on operations. Social Democrat Laia Moliné questioned cost overruns from €10 million to €16.5 million, delays and unclear goals. Espot rejected profit-based evaluation, emphasising emergency management, aviation order and technical safety.

The session also approved a modernised Consell General staff statute, creating new parliamentary roles.