Brigitte Macron meets “Star Academy” students to denounce harassment at school

“If you are experiencing a situation of harassment, talk to a trusted person or call the national hotline 3018 (free, anonymous and confidential)”says the message. Very clearly, he invites all those who feel excluded, threatened, ostracized, insulted, humiliated or extorted, to testify, so as to be helped and protected. The issue is national. It concerns several thousand students each year and requires increased surveillance from the authorities. Too many children still suffer from this type of situation.

As part of the week against bullying at school, Brigitte Macron came to meet the students of « Star Academy » this Tuesday, November 5. The first lady was accompanied by Justine Atlan, the general director of the e-Enfance/3018 association, who recalled in a post recently published on the LinkedIn network that the single number has, since January 2024, already received more than 120,000 calls.

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“Know that we are here for you”

Together, they spoke with the students of the TF1 telecrochet about harassment and all forms of digital violence, trivialized far too often by children, but also by society and by parents in ignorance or overwhelmed by the events. “When I go to 3018 and read the violence of the messages (…), I am totally upset”explained the President's wife. “For some, it’s a bad time in their lives. For others, it will really leave a mark. They don't want to continue. That's why I'm here with you today. You raise awareness among young people, enormously”she stressed.

One of the candidates, Ebony, then allowed herself to talk about the harassment of which she herself was a victim in the past. “This thing has followed me my whole life. I always feel like people don't like me.”she explained, very moved. In return, Ms. Macron stressed the need “to make people aware of difference from a very young age”. “It’s at this moment when we build ourselves and where the traumas are the most significant”she added.

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Before continuing: “There is one thing that is good: you write. At the time of your suffering, write it down, (…) you have to formulate it. If you can't tell someone, tell yourself. Know that we are here for you.” “Star Academy” is, with a few other programs, a living showcase of the emotions, major issues and aspirations of French youth. This meeting, welcomed by many, touched the candidates and, by projection, all those who watch and support them. It was broadcast in the daily program.

“I am quite happy that we were able to discuss this subject here at the castle, said MargueriteI am aware that we are looked at by a lot of young people. There is a lot of hope. » Hope, and sometimes, important decisions, like the one taken these days by Australia to ban social networks for young people under 16. Liberticide for some. Saving for many.