Stop bullying at school !

Monday, September 30th 2013

                  by Camille HUPPERT & Marine ALEXANDRE

    I read an article taken from the Mirror, an English newspaper, about school bullying in the United Kingdom. It deals with the fact that lots of teenagers are bullied, mainly girls. They are so concerned about their appearance, that they decide to modify it. For example, they start a diet, (which is not good for their health). Besides, they are worried about some people trying to help them to take the right decisions. Some people set up a website, Beatbullying.com where  teenagers can speak anonymously about their problems.

 Is it the same issue at the “collèges” or “lycées” in France? I decided to get some information to compare the situation of school bullying in the United Kingdom and France.

 First, there is the dress code: in England everybody is equal because they wear uniforms but in France we are allowed to wear what we want. Teenagers who don’t follow the fashion are criticized by the other boys and girls. Those wearing short clothes are also criticized. So, what can we wear when we are always judged by the others? Then some people make fun of the physical appearance when teenagers are too big or have spots. No wonder teenagers are not self confident, they go on a diet, become depressive.

 In my view, it’s great to have created website where teenagers can explain their problems. But it would be better if teenagers weren’t so judgemental and if they were more respectful. This is one of the goals schools should have, as wellas teaching general knowledge.