The National Theater of Nice hosted a major event this Tuesday in the fight against school bullying. Organized with the city of Nice and the Nice Academy, this awareness evening marks a new stage in the commitment to the well-being of students. In the presence of Jean-Luc Gagliolo, Deputy Mayor in charge of Education, Culture at School, and the Fight against Illiteracy of Nice, as well as Natacha Chicot, Rector of the Nice Academy.
This evening is part of the agreement signed on March 27, 2024, between the city of Nice and the Rectorate. A partnership based on three main levers: massive training of staff, with already more than 1,000 people trained, the implementation of a shared reporting circuit for quick and transparent handling of situations, and the mobilization of the entire educational community, including parents.
“Bullying leaves a lifelong scar. What the child experiences, the adult carries afterward. We must act today,” reminded Jean-Luc Gagliolo. The municipality thus aims to protect its young people from all forms of violence and delinquency.
Innovative actions on the ground and national resonance
Nice is a pioneer in this area. As early as 2021, it received the Marianne d’Or for its actions against bullying. In 2023, a specific hub was created, bringing together 15 structures to coordinate actions in schools. This system is now a model, and the state regularly seeks advice from the Nice teams.
Rector Natacha Chicot, in office since November 2023, has given new momentum to this dynamic, “together against bullying is not just a slogan. It’s a reality to build every day,” she asserts.
Among the flagship initiatives: the citizen passport. It’s the first of its kind, addressing the topics of bullying and cyberbullying from primary school onward. Nearly 200 parents have been trained to become ambassadors in the fight against bullying, and 200 students are involved in awareness projects.
The initiative goes beyond classroom prevention. Supervised activities are offered during the midday break, a period prone to tensions between students. Additionally, 40 public road surveillance officers have been trained to intervene in school settings.
Lastly, a “thinking box” allows students to express themselves anonymously about the violence experienced or observed in their school.
A shared ambition
This anti-bullying evening was also an opportunity to highlight the work done by students from Jules Verne School, Nucéra College, and Parc Impérial High School. Testimonies from engaged and aware young people, as well as from teachers, “In Nice, the fight against school bullying is not just a public policy: it is an educational alliance, built day by day with families, teachers, students, and all citizens,” says Valérie Dujardin, coordinator at the Local Council for Security and Crime Prevention.
An interactive show to spark dialogue
The highlight of the evening was a participative theater play performed by the company “Un poisson en avril”. In front of an audience of nearly 300 people, the actors portrayed extreme bullying scenarios. Playing the role of a mother and her daughter who tries to explain that she is being bullied during her swimming sessions. Then, they invited parents and students to intervene to alter the outcome of the situation. One goal: provoke collective awareness and open the debate. Allowing one’s child to express their feelings and take the time to discuss their emotions, feelings, and experiences.
