One in Five Czech Schoolchildren Has Engaged in Erotic Messaging

In the Czech Republic, one in five schoolchildren aged 11 to 16 has engaged in erotic correspondence on social media. More than half of schoolgirls and around 40 percent of schoolboys say they have received photos containing at least partial nudity. Only about 20 percent of students admitted to sending such images themselves.

ATMs Now Dispense 5,000-Crown Banknotes

ATMs in the Czech Republic have begun dispensing 5,000-crown banknotes for the first time. Moneta Money Bank has introduced the service at selected locations; until now, the highest-denomination notes were available only at bank counters. Through the shared ATM network, customers of Komerční banka, Air Bank, and UniCredit Bank can also withdraw the 5,000-crown notes.

Police Announce Nationwide Speed Marathon for April 15

A nationwide Speed Marathon will take place on April 15, during which police will carry out large-scale speed checks across the country. Radar patrols will be deployed at approximately 1,000 locations both inside and outside cities. Some sites were selected based on suggestions from residents, who can still mark problem areas on an online map until March 23. Police say the goal is not to increase fines but to reduce accidents and remind drivers that speeding contributes to thousands of crashes and dozens of fatalities each year.

President Petr Pavel Appoints New Environment Minister

Czech President Petr Pavel has appointed Igor Červený as Minister of the Environment, completing the formation of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s government. Červený, a member of the Motorists party, has criticized the European Union’s climate policies and the emissions quota system. He says the ministry should focus on practical environmental protection and reducing bureaucracy for businesses rather than engaging in ideological debates over the green agenda.

Czech Breweries Face Shortage of Brewmasters and Technicians

Czech breweries are struggling to fill positions for brewmasters and technical staff, the Czech Beer and Malt Association (Český svaz pivovarů a sladoven) has warned. According to a recent survey of brewing schools and 15 breweries, the biggest shortages are among maintenance workers and mechanics, cited by 87 percent of respondents.