this Loire-Atlantique college files a complaint

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Hervé Brochard, principal of Pierre Abélard college, filed a complaint for identity theft at the Vallet gendarmerie last November 15.

The name of the public college, which is not present on social networks, was borrowed to create Instagram accounts, followed by students. Around ten, some with variations, would have been created.

One of the students was the victim of blackmail, malicious intent and cyberharassment.

Letter addressed to families

On this fake account, a crude photomontage showing the student's face and a naked body was published.

The parents of the shocked schoolgirl filed a complaint at the Nantes police station and immediately informed the director of the public school.

On November 1, Hervé Brochard sent a letter to all the families of the establishment warning of this plagiarism and the risk it poses to college students.

“Many students join these accounts. They can then be the object of blackmail through threats of defamation via a photomontage diverting the photo of their face or via a campaign of insults,” the principal indicated in his email.

Numerous prevention actions

In the process, the establishment informed the students of the fact that the name of the college was “used improperly”.

“They will be reminded of the dangers encountered on social networks, particularly when they are open to all,” said Hervé Brochard.

In this matter, the establishment is already carrying out numerous actions: media education, Phare program (harassment prevention plan for middle schools), risk prevention, fight against screen addiction, etc.

These questions are also addressed during the harassment questionnaire (national system), a survey conducted in each class every year.

Out of 650 students, 15 suffer from harassment situations.

A figure to be taken with caution because the data does not reflect the reality of what students experience.

Setting up sentinel students

Recently, the establishment is also working to set up student ambassadors in each classa sort of sentinel trained to keep watch on these delicate subjects.

We are onto something very subtle and devious. What is important with all these tools is that they make students aware of the abnormality of the situation and this helps to free up speech.

“Technology moves faster than law”

Faced with this cyberharassment, the teaching staff nevertheless feels helpless.

Technology moves faster than law. There is not the regulation that there should be. Social media is a real concern. It is a lawless zone where one can be crucified with impunity. This can lead to drama.

The main one is in contact with the police.

The latter will request the closure of the accounts concerned.

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