The public prosecutor’s office in Narbonne (Aude) is tightening the screws on the thorny subject of children’s absenteeism from school. For the first time, 22 parents were summoned last Thursday. Only four made the “effort” to travel, reports L’Indépendant. All these families were fined 750 euros for “failing to fulfill their schooling obligation without legitimate reason”.
Education is not an option
Since the Jules Ferry law of March 28, 1882, education has been compulsory in France. In the vast majority of cases, this instruction is provided at school (public or private). More marginally, it can be provided by the parents themselves.
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The families prosecuted in Narbonne had not made any declaration of home education. Their children were therefore supposed to go to school. However, they did not go there or too little.
“You will create an unhappy adult”
One mother – particularly detached on the subject – had a hard time responding to the judge who simply asked her what class her daughter was in. “Um… CM1?”, she ventures. Enough to irritate the magistrate quite a bit: “What life do you want for her?she asks. You give him the risk of suffering in the future, of not having a job, of living on the margins of society. You will create an unhappy adult. Your job is to force him to go to school.”.
The fine of 750 euros imposed on these negligent parents could appeal to others. From now on, these families will be subject to strict monitoring. In the event of their child’s unjustified absence from school next year, fines will be issued from the first day, warned the prosecutor.
The law provides for up to 2 years in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros for parents who compromise their child’s education by depriving them of education.
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