Every year, the first Thursday after the All Saints’ holidays marks France’s National Day Against Bullying at School — a day to raise awareness, listen, and take action.

Bullying is never “just teasing.” It can take many forms — from verbal mockery and exclusion to cyberbullying, rumors, and physical or emotional abuse. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported at school.

📚 The Ministry of Education’s pHARe program is active in all schools, colleges, and high schools across France. Its goal is to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying through education, empathy, and collective responsibility.

💛 Recognising the signs of bullying is the first step to ending it:

- A sudden drop in grades or loss of interest in school
- Anxiety before going to class or frequent request to stay home from school
- Unexplained injuries or damaged belongings
- Withdrawal, sadness, or loss of appetite
- Sleep problems or recurring headaches
- Avoiding friends or social activities
- Changes in mood — anger, silence, or fear

If you notice one or more of these signs, talk to the child calmly and without judgment. Sometimes, what they need most is to know that someone is listening.

📢 Today, let’s commit to:

- Listening to children and believing their words
- Speaking up when we witness bullying
- Supporting victims, not isolating them
- Promoting kindness and empathy in every classroom
- Sharing the national helpline 3018 — free, anonymous, and available to anyone in need

Together, we can make schools spaces of care, respect, and courage. 💪

Let’s say it clearly: Bullying has no place in education — or anywhere.