France Introduces Random Bag Checks to Combat School Violence

Education and Interior Ministers announce measures to curb rising violence near schools after recent fatal altercations involving minors.

French officials have implemented random bag checks near schools to search for weapons and drugs, aiming to enhance student safety.
The measures follow the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old in Yerres on March 24, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence near schools.
Education Minister Élisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized stricter sanctions, including fines for adults and police involvement for minors found with weapons.
Prefects and academy rectors have been instructed to oversee the rollout of these measures by the end of the academic year.
Officials described the recurring violence as an 'abominable litany' and stressed the need for immediate action to deter future incidents.