The City of Paris is taking new steps to address sexual violence in school and after-school environments. Since 2025, 203 investigations have been launched in the capital concerning such incidents, prompting the city to roll out a 20 million euro plan aimed at improving safety and staff preparedness. A key part of this initiative includes six days of annual training for all after-school care staff, designed to equip them with better strategies for handling sensitive situations involving children. The first training sessions have already begun in several Paris schools, including the Télégraphe kindergarten in the 20th arrondissement. During one exercise, an after-school care director presented a scenario where a child named Matis arrived during lunchtime and was crying. The session prompted discussions among the dozen staff members present about how best to respond. Some expressed uncertainty about physical contact with children, with one staff member saying they were unsure if hugging a child was still permitted. Others emphasized the need to understand the cause of the child’s distress before taking action. The training aims to provide a shared framework for staff, including clear guidelines on how to respond to children in distress. Staff are advised not to push a child away but instead to seek alternative ways to comfort them, such as asking questions, reading or singing with the child, or simply staying by their side. If a staff member gives a child a hug, they are required to inform their supervisor. Additional measures include a rule that prohibits men from entering dormitories, a policy that has sparked debate. While some staff view it as a necessary precaution, others see it as discriminatory and overly restrictive. Sandrine Bobin, the director of after-school care in the 20th arrondissement, highlighted the importance of establishing common procedures and a shared foundation for staff, noting that many professionals come from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. To further strengthen training, Paris plans to open an “after-school care school,” which will serve as a dedicated center for education and professional development in this field.