On March 19, 2025, students enrolled in the SAPAT program at a high school in France took a bold step towards combating the insidious issue of school harassment. Under the guidance of Annie Pousset, a professor of economic and social sciences, these students prepared and presented nine theatrical skits addressing the various facets of bullying. The event not only highlighted the impact of harassment on individuals but also showcased the importance of understanding different perspectives—from those of the bullied to those of the bullies, parents, friends, and teachers.
As Pousset noted, “There have been other actions on harassment… but this is the most significant initiative we have undertaken.” The performance aimed to engage students by provoking thought and reflection on their individual behaviors towards each other.
The initiative culminated in a performance before the entire student body, where attendees were able to see bullying depicted in a relatable manner. Following each skit, Sébastien Dumortier, a social worker involved in anti-harassment measures in schools, provided insights and encouraged open discussions among the students.
Students such as Maë expressed their feelings about the project, saying, “It was great to work on this topic because it concerns us. I’ve had experiences with bullying, and I believe the themes explored reflect reality.” This sentiment underscores the relevance and necessity of such projects in schools.
On the very next day, March 20, Paul Sabatier high school in Carcassonne hosted a seminar dedicated to addressing harassment and cyberbullying, attended by local officials including Christian Pouget, the prefect of Aude. Kamel Chibli, vice-president of the Occitanie region, emphasized the importance of liberating conversations around this “sickness that plagues our societies.” His remarks resonated sharply with the students as he navigated through the complexities of how social media has exacerbated the problem.
At the seminar, Nathalie Salette-Boudet, the commander of the Carcassonne police station, engaged students by discussing their experiences with online harassment and the nuances of navigating social media. Her probing question—“Who has found themselves in a situation where someone was being harassed?”—elicited a sincere response from the audience.
One student shared, “I was concerned but took time to understand what was happening,” highlighting the challenges young people face. Salette-Boudet also addressed a concerning new form of bullying involving artificial intelligence, calling for greater awareness and resilience among students.
The informational seminar not only provided space for dialogue but also included the introduction of the Safebear application, which detects harmful online content. Kamel Chibli touting, “Public authorities are actively working to try and protect you,” sounded a hopeful note for many attending.
The concern over school harassment extends beyond these events. Cultural expressions like the musical comedy “Phil Ô Bac,” scheduled for March 21 and 22, amplify the conversation surrounding bullying. Written and performed by amateur actors, some of whom grapple with mental health issues, the comedic play addresses contemporary issues like fake news and cyberbullying, reflecting the daily struggles teens face.
“Phil Ô Bac” offers a platform for high school students to voice their experiences within today’s digital landscape. As co-director Pierre Fesquet explained, “The show is not just performance; it’s a collective effort on themes poignant to young people.” With parts specifically devised for audience participation, the production ensures everyone experiences the journey along with the performers.
Moreover, an anticipated discussion following a special performance underscores the importance of intergenerational dialogue. Audiences will be encouraged to share reflections on the themes of bullying, camaraderie, and self-acceptance, making every performance a communal experience rather than just entertainment.
In the growing fight against school harassment, another recent development occurred on March 18 at the Coupole in Saint-Loubès, where about 50 attendees, facilitated by local education leaders like Yann Kolebka and Jean-Luc Feit, gathered to examine the gravity of the issue. An online survey conducted with parents revealed alarming perceptions tied to harassment—words such as fear, malice, isolation, and violence dominated the responses.
Feit emphasized that responses highlight the multifaceted nature of bullying and the critical need for collective action. Current initiatives aim to keep lines of communication open, creating supportive environments where students and parents can share their concerns.
As schools continue to embrace dialogues and a variety of means to address harassment, there’s a palpable commitment to ensuring safety, promoting awareness, and advocating for empathy among students. The gathered efforts exemplify a united front against bullying, one where students’ voices are both heard and valued in the mission to foster inclusive and supportive educational environments.
