New decree on school violence prevention

A decree published in the Official Journal on October 15, 2026, strengthens the prevention of violence in schools across France. It requires public and private schools under contract to implement new measures aimed at identifying and addressing instances of sexual and sexist violence.

Annual questionnaire for preschool students

Under the decree, schools must provide a questionnaire on sexual and sexist violence at least once a year. This applies to students in the last year of preschool, with participation being optional for families who may oppose the survey.

Anonymous responses and follow-up interviews

The questionnaire allows for anonymous responses, ensuring student privacy. If a student provides a named report, trained staff will conduct an interview to address the concern and support the student accordingly.

Bullying self-assessment from CE2

The decree also introduces an annual self-assessment grid for school bullying starting from the CE2 grade, which is typically around age 8. Schools must evaluate their environments and take steps to reduce bullying incidents.

Prevention mechanisms for boarding schools

Schools are required to implement a prevention and handling mechanism for all forms of violence, with special attention given to boarding schools and school trips that include overnight stays. These measures aim to ensure student safety in all school-related settings.

Immediate implementation of the decree

The decree comes into effect on October 16, 2026, meaning schools must begin complying with the new requirements immediately after its publication. This timeline emphasizes the urgency of addressing school violence and promoting a safe learning environment.