French Parliament Reviews New Law to Combat Sexist and Sexual Violence in Schools Amid Rising Reports

French deputies are currently examining the "post-Bétharram" legislative proposal aimed at combating violence inflicted on children in educational settings and extracurricular activities. This initiative seeks to bolster protections for children in schools, responding to the growing urgency to address incidents of sexist and sexual violence in these environments.

Since the beginning of 2026, 255 reports of sexist and sexual violence in schools have been recorded, according to Edouard Geffray, the Secretary of State for Child Protection. These figures highlight the critical need for comprehensive legal measures to safeguard children.

The "post-Bétharram" law focuses on both in-school violence and that occurring during after-school activities, emphasizing a holistic approach to child protection across all educational contexts. Lawmakers advocate that strengthening these protections is essential to effectively confront and reduce occurrences of violence against minors.

This parliamentary effort underlines France’s commitment to addressing a serious social issue by proposing concrete legislative reforms informed by recent data and societal demands. The discussions underway signal a proactive step towards ensuring safer educational environments for young people across the country.