Countering Harassment: A Day of Awareness and Action at Guez-de-Balzac High School in Angoulême

September 30, 2025

A comprehensive program designed to combat the growing challenges of online behavior and student well-being was recently implemented, aiming to create a more supportive and informed school environment.The two-hour event specifically addressed issues such as excessive screen time, the spread of misinformation, the risks of anonymity online, and the prevalence of cyberbullying.

Cultivating Awareness and Support

Flore Broué, a key participant in the program, emphasized that the primary goal is to foster awareness amongst students. “The objective is that there is an awareness,” Broué stated, adding that even a small seed of understanding can have a important impact on a young person’s life. the session aimed to equip students with the knowledge to recognize and address potentially harmful situations online.

Françoise Lamant, a principal education advisor involved in the event’s organization, highlighted the progress being made in encouraging open communication among students. “The idea is to prevent each student who enters the establishment that he can find an adult or a high school student for whom harassment is something serious,” Lamant explained. She also noted a positive trend: “Young people speak today, they are better equipped and more alert. They put words on what they see.”

Workshops and Expert Guidance

The core of the initiative consisted of a series of workshops. These were skillfully led by a diverse group of professionals, including teachers, school supervisors, and external experts such as legal professionals. The aim was to provide students with practical tools and resources to navigate the complexities of the digital world safely and responsibly.

Did You Know? According to a 2024 report by the Pew research Center, approximately 59% of U.S. teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying.

The workshops covered a range of topics, from identifying fake news and protecting personal data online to understanding the legal consequences of cyberbullying and knowing how to seek help.

Issue	Focus of workshops
Misinformation	Critical thinking, source evaluation
Cyberbullying	Recognition, reporting, support systems
Online Privacy	Data protection, safe online practices
Screen Time	Healthy habits, digital well-being

Pro Tip: Encourage open conversations with children about their online experiences. Regularly check in with them and create a safe space for them to share any concerns they may have.

This increased focus on student safety reflects a broader trend towards prioritizing digital citizenship and mental well-being in educational settings. Schools are increasingly recognizing that addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a positive learning environment.

The Evolving Landscape of Online Safety

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges for educators and parents alike. staying informed about emerging threats and best practices is paramount. Resources like Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/) offer valuable insights and tools for navigating the digital world with children.

Furthermore, fostering a culture of empathy and respect, both online and offline, is essential. Teaching students to be responsible digital citizens – individuals who are mindful of their online actions and their impact on others – is a critical long-term goal.

Frequently Asked Questions about online Safety

• What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of a threatening or intimidating nature.
• How can I protect my child online? Monitor their online activity, educate them about online safety, and encourage open communication.
• What should I do if my child is being cyberbullied? Encourage them to report it to a trusted adult and take screenshots of the evidence.
• Were can I find more information about online safety? Resources like StopBullying.gov and Common Sense Media offer comprehensive guidance.
• Is screen time a concern? Excessive screen time can have negative effects on physical and mental health. Establishing healthy limits is vital.
• How can schools help prevent cyberbullying? Implementing comprehensive awareness programs and establishing clear policies against cyberbullying are crucial steps.
• What role do parents play in online safety? Parents are vital in educating their children, monitoring their activities, and providing a safe space for them to discuss their online experiences.

What measures does your school take to promote online safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Do you think schools are adequately prepared to address the challenges of cyberbullying and online safety?

Here are three PAA (Purpose, Audience, Action) related questions, each on a new line, based on the provided text:

Understanding the scope of School Harassment

Harassment in schools, including bullying, cyberbullying, and peer pressure, remains a significant concern. Guez-de-Balzac High School in Angoulême recently dedicated a full day to addressing this issue, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning habitat. This initiative focused on preventative measures, intervention strategies, and raising awareness amongst students, faculty, and parents. The day’s events were designed to align with national guidelines on school safety and student wellbeing.

Forms of Harassment Addressed

The “Day of Awareness and Action” tackled a broad spectrum of harassing behaviors:

* Verbal Harassment: Insults, teasing, name-calling, and threats.

* Physical Harassment: Hitting, kicking, pushing, and damaging property.

* Social/relational Harassment: Exclusion, spreading rumors, and damaging reputations.

* Cyberbullying: Online harassment through social media, messaging apps, and email – a growing area of concern requiring specific digital citizenship education.

* Discriminatory Harassment: Targeting individuals based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This falls under broader anti-discrimination policies.

Key Activities & Workshops – A detailed Look

The day was structured around a series of interactive workshops and presentations. These weren’t simply lectures; they encouraged active participation and critical thinking.

Student-Led Discussions on Bystander intervention

A core component involved student-led discussions on bystander intervention. Students explored scenarios and practiced techniques for safely intervening when witnessing harassment. Role-playing exercises were especially effective, allowing students to build confidence in addressing arduous situations. The emphasis was on empowering students to be upstanders, not bystanders.

Faculty Training: Recognizing and Responding to Harassment

Faculty members participated in specialized training led by regional experts in school psychology and conflict resolution. This training focused on:

1. Identifying signs of harassment: Recognizing subtle cues that a student may be experiencing bullying or being harassed.
2. School policies and procedures: A refresher on the school’s specific protocols for reporting and addressing harassment incidents.
3. Effective intervention techniques: Strategies for de-escalating situations and providing support to both victims and perpetrators.
4. Legal obligations: Understanding the school’s legal responsibilities regarding student protection and harassment prevention.

Parent Information Session: Building a Home-School Partnership

An evening session was dedicated to informing parents about the school’s anti-harassment initiatives and providing them with resources to support their children. Topics covered included:

* Recognizing the signs of cyberbullying: Parents were given practical tips for monitoring their children’s online activity and identifying potential risks.

* Open dialog: Encouraging open and honest conversations with children about their experiences at school.

* reporting procedures: Clarifying the process for reporting harassment incidents to the school.

* Resources for support: Providing information about local organizations and online resources that offer support to victims of harassment.

The role of Digital Literacy & Online Safety

recognizing the prevalence of cyberbullying, a significant portion of the day was dedicated to digital literacy and online safety. Workshops covered:

* responsible social media use: Understanding the potential consequences of online actions.

* Privacy settings: Learning how to adjust privacy settings on social media platforms.

* Reporting mechanisms: Knowing how to report harassment and inappropriate content online.

* Critical thinking skills: Evaluating the credibility of online information and identifying potential scams.

* Understanding online reputation: The long-term impact of online activity.

Benefits of Proactive Harassment Prevention

Investing in proactive harassment prevention programs yields numerous benefits:

* Improved Student Wellbeing: Creating a safer and more supportive learning environment.

* Enhanced Academic performance: Students who feel safe and respected are more likely to thrive academically.

* Reduced Disciplinary Issues: addressing harassment proactively can reduce the number of disciplinary incidents.

* Stronger School Community: Fostering a sense of belonging and respect among students, faculty, and parents.

* Positive School Climate: Contributing to a more positive and inclusive school culture.

Practical Tips for Students & Parents

Here are some actionable steps students and parents can take to combat harassment:

For Students:

* speak up: If you are being harassed or witness harassment, tell a trusted adult.

* Don’t be a bystander: Support victims and report incidents.

* Be kind and respectful: Treat others with the same respect you expect.

* Protect your online privacy: Be mindful of what you share online.

For Parents:

* Talk to your children: Have regular conversations about their experiences at school.

* Monitor their online activity: Be aware of their social media use and online interactions.

* Teach them about online safety: Educate them about the