The National Assembly unanimously adopted, on Monday evening in its first reading, the bill aimed at better protecting children against violence in schools and extracurricular facilities. Inspired by the work carried out after the Bétharram scandal, the text received the support of all 187 members of parliament present in the chamber.
Jointly sponsored by MPs Violette Spillebout (Renaissance) and Paul Vannier (LFI), the proposal notably includes stricter controls on adults in contact with minors, increased oversight of private schools, and the creation of new tools to prevent violence. Education Minister Édouard Geffray noted that 255 reports of sexist and sexual violence involving adults in school and extracurricular settings had been recorded since the beginning of the year.
Increased security checks and a day of tribute to the victims
The legislation establishes, in particular, a mandatory "certificate of good character" upon recruitment and then renewed every three years for staff members in contact with students. Members of Parliament also approved the creation of a "blacklist" designed to prevent the re-employment of individuals who have exhibited behavior deemed dangerous in other educational settings.
After sometimes tense debates, particularly concerning the confidentiality of confession and the regulation of private education, a compromise was finally reached, allowing the bill to be passed. The law also provides for the creation of a national day of remembrance for the victims on November 19th and must now continue its parliamentary journey in the Senate before potentially coming into force.
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