Gabriel Attal's Commitment to Combat School Bullying
As the resigning Prime Minister of France, Gabriel Attal is prioritizing the fight against school bullying, a cause he has championed since his tenure as Minister of National Education. Following the tragic suicides of young victims of bullying, Attal is launching an unprecedented national campaign that aims to raise awareness and promote empathy among students and adults alike. The campaign is inspired by successful strategies from Scandinavian countries and will include a social experiment depicted in a four-minute prevention film.
A National Campaign for Awareness
The campaign, which officially kicks off on September 1, 2023, is designed to engage all adults connected to the educational community, including parents and teachers. It seeks to convey the critical message: "Let's not minimize school bullying." Attal's initiative comes at a time when over a million children in France experience harassment annually, highlighting the urgent need for effective awareness and prevention strategies. The campaign features a video where adults step into the shoes of both victims and perpetrators, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of bullying.
Empathy Lessons to Transform School Culture
In addition to the campaign, Attal has introduced empathy courses that will be implemented in nursery and primary schools across France. This initiative aims to change the narrative around bullying, ensuring that the focus shifts from protecting the bullies to supporting the victims. Attal's commitment to this cause is unwavering, stating, "Harassment is a poison. But we are in the process of finding the antidote." Even after his resignation, he plans to continue advocating for this vital issue, ensuring that the message of empathy and understanding resonates throughout the educational landscape.
