In a Paris suburb, a teacher physically assaults a young student by striking them on the ground.
An upsetting clip is making rounds online, showcasing a French kindergarten instructor harshly striking a three-year-old student. The instructor's conduct has prompted an internal investigation. French Education Minister Nicole Belloubet was left stunned by the occurrence, leading to the instructor's immediate suspension and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings. The child's mother has reported the incident to the police.
The controversy unfolded as a byproduct of a parent, who was in the classroom, witnessing the incident and capturing it on video. By Monday, the video that depicted the teacher striking the distressed girl so forcefully that she crumpled to the ground, had gained traction online.
The incident transpired in an affluent Parisian suburb, on the second day of school following the summer break. The girl, who was a newcomer to the school, had attended her first day of class the day prior - it's compulsory for French children to attend school from the age of three.
Historically, France did not outright prohibit physical punishment towards children. As recent as 2015, the Council of Europe advised France to bolster its child protection measures. It wasn't until 2019 that legislation was passed to address this concern. Despite this, alternative forms of discipline, such as isolation, remain prevalent in French educational institutions.
The European Union expressed concern over the incident, calling for stricter adherence to child protection regulations in French schools. The French government, as a member of the European Union, is expected to implement these recommendations to ensure the safety and well-being of its young students.
