Ministry logo

Violence prevention

Zero tolerance for violence at school. Promoting a peaceful, respectful, secure environment for all pupils, grounded in the values of New Citizenship.

Allo École logo

FOR ANY REPORT, CALL TOLL-FREE 178

What is school violence prevention?

School violence prevention is a top priority for the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship. It aims to eliminate all forms of violence in the school environment and foster peace, respect, and safety for all pupils, teachers, and staff.

School violence can take many forms: physical, psychological, verbal, sexual, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, or gender-based violence. All are unacceptable and must be prevented, detected, and addressed firmly.

Code of conduct for civil servants

The code of conduct sets the ethical and professional standards all public education staff must follow. It is an essential framework for preventing violence and promoting a healthy, respectful school environment.

View the code of conduct

Types of violence to prevent

1

Physical violence

Hits, shoving, fights, assaults with or without weapons. Any physical violence is strictly prohibited and subject to severe sanctions.

2

Psychological violence

Intimidation, humiliation, threats, exclusion, rejection, manipulation. These invisible but destructive forms of violence must be detected and addressed.

3

Verbal violence

Insults, mockery, degrading remarks, verbal threats. Words can hurt deeply and create fear and insecurity.

4

Sexual violence

Sexual harassment, assault, exploitation, abuse. These crimes may lead to prosecution and must be reported immediately.

5

Bullying

Peer bullying, cyberbullying, repeated intimidation. Bullying is serious violence and can have dramatic consequences.

6

Discrimination

Discrimination based on gender, ethnic origin, religion, social status, or disability. Any discrimination contradicts the values of New Citizenship.

Prevention strategies

Education and awareness

  • Education in New Citizenship values: respect, tolerance, solidarity, peace
  • Awareness campaigns against violence
  • Building pupils’ social and emotional skills
  • Education in peaceful conflict resolution
  • Gender equality and challenging stereotypes
  • Education on children’s rights and non-violence

Creating a safe environment

  • Adult supervision and presence in all school spaces
  • Securing buildings and access
  • Identifying and securing higher-risk areas
  • Clear codes of conduct known to everyone
  • Spaces for dialogue and mediation
  • Promoting a positive, inclusive school climate

Early detection

  • Training teachers to recognise signs of violence
  • Alert and reporting mechanisms
  • Close observation of changes in pupils’ behaviour
  • Active, caring listening to pupils
  • Collaboration with parents and the community
  • Regular follow-up for vulnerable pupils

Swift, effective intervention

  • Clear procedures for handling violence
  • Immediate response when incidents occur
  • Immediate protection for victims
  • Appropriate, educational sanctions for perpetrators
  • Psychological and social support for victims
  • Repair and reconciliation where possible
  • Reporting to competent authorities (police, justice) in serious cases

Prevention by education level

Preschool education

In preschool, prevention focuses on:

  • Learning respect for others and sharing
  • Managing emotions and conflicts between children
  • Protection against abuse and neglect
  • Constant supervision and safe spaces
  • Regular communication with parents

Primary education

In primary school, prevention actions include:

  • Education in non-violence and mutual respect
  • Bullying prevention
  • Training in peaceful conflict resolution
  • Protection against physical and verbal violence
  • Education in New Citizenship values
  • Pupil mediators

Secondary education

At secondary level, prevention becomes more complex:

  • Preventing physical violence and fights
  • Combating bullying and cyberbullying
  • Preventing gender-based violence
  • Preventing sexual violence and abuse
  • Addressing substance use and related violence
  • Preventing radicalisation and extremism
  • Education for responsible citizenship and peace
  • Peer educator and mediation programmes

How to report violence?

You have a duty to report any violence

If you witness or experience violence at school, report it immediately. Your report can save lives and protect other pupils.

Reports are handled confidentially and those who report are protected.

Who can report?

  • Pupils (victims or witnesses)
  • Parents
  • Teachers and staff
  • Community members

Who to contact?

  • School leadership
  • Teachers
  • The General Inspectorate of Education
  • The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship
  • The police (for serious cases)

Zero tolerance for violence

The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship applies a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of school violence. Every case will be addressed firmly, in line with the law and the values of New Citizenship.

Together, let’s build violence-free schools where every pupil can learn and thrive in safety and peace.

Telephone — hotline

For any report or information related to national education and new citizenship, call 178

Allo École