One in ten French pupils bullied at school
A new TV and online campaign is launched on Tuesday to combat bullying at school.
Government figures estimate that one in ten children suffer from bullying at school, reported daily newspaper 20 Minutes.
Three films show the impact bullying can have on the victims and try to life the taboo on talking about the problem.
"If France has woken up to this problem later than some other countries, we hope that the use of many media channels can help create a virtuous circle," said Eric Debarbieux, a researcher who has spearheaded the campaign with the education ministry.
The films will be shown on TV and distributed through social networks including YouTube and dailymotion.
One film shows the effects of gossip while another focuses on a boy who is taunted over his weight. A third film, shown below, shows pupils picking on a boy by slapping him and provoking him.
In all the films, a pupil is shown observing the bullying and wondering whether he should take action.
A website has been set up to offer support to pupils who are victims of bullying and also to advise others who see bullying taking place: agircontreleharcelementalecole.gouv.fr
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