France to Implement Random Bag Searches in Schools to Address Rising Violence

Education Minister Élisabeth Borne announces new measures, including unannounced bag checks and stricter disciplinary actions, to combat increased violence and weapon possession among students.

Random bag searches at school entrances will begin this spring, conducted by law enforcement officers rather than school staff.
The initiative aims to address the growing use of weapons, particularly knives, among students in and around schools.
The Education Ministry plans to amend the Code of Education to mandate disciplinary hearings and prosecutor notifications for students found carrying weapons.
The decision follows a rise in school violence, including a recent incident where a 17-year-old student was seriously injured in a knife attack.
Law enforcement presence near schools has already increased in some regions to prevent further violent incidents.