Particle.news

Download on the App Store

France to Pilot Abuse Reporting Questionnaires in Schools Following Bétharram Scandal

The Ministry of Education will test age-specific surveys to identify violence in schools, with union consultations ongoing and full rollout planned for September.

Overview

  • The Ministry of Education is preparing to distribute three tailored questionnaires to students in primary, secondary, and boarding schools to gather accounts of violence.
  • The initiative is part of the 'Brisons le silence, agissons ensemble' plan launched by Education Minister Élisabeth Borne after the Notre-Dame de Bétharram abuse revelations.
  • Each survey includes age-appropriate language and concludes with support messaging and emergency hotline numbers for victims of violence.
  • Teacher unions have raised concerns about the broad scope of the questions and the impact of anonymity on victim support and identification.
  • The questionnaires will be finalized by the end of April, piloted in selected schools, reviewed in June, and implemented nationwide by September.