Education, the quality and methods of teaching and the employability of young graduates are topics frequently discussed not only in the Czech Republic but also in neighboring Slovakia. One person who has been actively involved in these issues for a long time and has a strong voice in the debate is Paula Puškárová, a member of the National Council of Slovakia for the HLAS-SD party, and chairwoman of the Committee for Education, Science, ????outh, Sports, and Tourism.
You have been connected with the academic environment for many years. What would you highlight about the Slovak higher education system, and what challenges does it face?
Slovak universities have enormous potential, which is evident in high-quality research projects, the achievements of our scientists, and the success of many of our graduates at the international level. As chairwoman of the parliamentary committee for education, I recognize the importance of stability and predictability in higher education funding. Last year, we managed to increase the public university budget to 825.8 million Euros, a crucial step toward development. On the other hand, the mental health of young people remains a long-neglected issue. Until now, the higher education system has not invested sufficient resources into psychological support for students, even though we know that young people face immense pressure. That is why we have decided to focus on this issue and find solutions to create better conditions for both academic success and personal development. At the same time, retaining young scientists is a key priority–creating an environment that gives them a reason to stay and work in Slovakia. This means not only stable funding for science and research but also support for professional growth, grant opportunities, and stronger ties between academia and industry. I believe that strategic investments in mental health, science, and research will bring long-term positive results for society as a whole.
In a previous interview, you mentioned that independent, critical thinking is essential. How can young people be encouraged to develop it?
Independent and critical thinking are fundamental pillars of education in today‘s information-overloaded world. Young people must be guided not only to receive information but also to analyze, connect, and evaluate it based on real arguments. A key tool is an education system that teaches students to assess the credibility of sources, go beyond surface-level information, and understand context. Teachers play a crucial role by encouraging students to ask “why” and “how” rather than just “what.” Methods such as debate clubs, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary connections help students think critically and form evidence-based opinions. I also strongly advocate for mental health education and relationship education–there is a growing demand for psychological support, but our system lacks enough professionals. As a result, people are often forced to become their own psychologists. Another crucial aspect is media literacy, which should be an integral part of education. ????oung people spend a lot of time on social media, where unverified or manipulated information spreads rapidly. Often, even politics is not based on facts but rather on emotions. We must teach young people to distinguish between factual information and mere marketing strategies, identify credible sources, and understand how media works. Today, these skills are just as essential as learning languages or mathematics. Beyond schools, family and society play a major role. If young people see adults around them engaging in respectful discussions, considering different perspectives, and supporting their claims with facts, they will naturally adopt this approach themselves.
Paula Puškárová with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini.
Cyberbullying is one of the topics you focus on. What makes it so dangerous for society? What role do families play in managing children‘s access to online content and social media?
Cyberbullying is a very serious issue in today’s world because it directly affects the personal sphere of young people, who are still developing their self–identity and perception of the world. This form of violence occurs online, where it is harder to control and verify information, allowing harmful and abusive behavior to thrive. This is a critical issue that I have been addressing for a long time. While the EU has taken steps in recent years to improve the protection of children and young people from online violence, I believe we need to go further–cyberbullying must be clearly defined and criminalized. I strongly support Slovakia’s recent decision to criminalize cyberbullying, and I welcome this initiative from the Ministry of the Interior. Classifying dangerous online harassment as a criminal offense is an important step in the fight against cyberbullying and online violence. This legal measure sends a clear message that intimidation, mockery, and other forms of harmful behavior have no place in the online space. However, laws alone are not enough. Preventing and protecting young people from cyberbullying requires education and awareness. We need to invest in programs that teach young people to recognize and respond to cyberbullying, as well as to use digital technologies responsibly and safely. Collaboration between parents, schools, communities, and technology platforms is essential to creating a safe and supportive online environment. But the first step in combating cyberbullying starts at home. Parents must pay attention to their children’s online activities and engage in conversations about online safety. This includes not only setting up parental controls and monitoring content but also helping children develop critical thinking skills so they can recognize harmful behavior and respond appropriately.
CV BOX
Paula Puškárová (born March 6, 1985) is a member of the National Council of Slovakia for HLAS-SD and the Chairwoman of the Committee for Education, Science, Youth, Sports, and Tourism.
She graduated from the Faculty of International Relations at the University of Economics in Bratislava and from the Bratislava Conservatory, specializing in opera singing.
Since 2019, she has served as Vice-Rector for Science and Doctoral Studies at the University of Economics in Bratislava, and since 2020, she has been an Associate Professor at the Department of International Trade at the same institution. She is a member of several scientific councils at foreign universities
and has published in international scientific journals indexed in Current Contents, Web of Science, and Scopus.
She entered politics in 2023, successfully ran in the parliamentary elections, and was elected as an MP.
She lives in Bratislava and has two children.
