Alarm over alleged abuse in French schools and nurseries

Since April 8, 2026, Charlotte, who wishes to remain anonymous to protect her son's identity, has felt emotionally numb. That day, her 4-year-old son told her that a teaching assistant named Ryan had sexually assaulted him at the Gustave Bienvetu elementary school in the Paris suburb of Colombes. At first, Charlotte thought she had misunderstood. When reality sank in, she felt as if the sky were falling. Charlotte and her husband immediately alerted the school and town hall. Ryan was suspended almost instantly, but other measures were not implemented quickly enough. According to Charlotte, the mayor's office should have immediately notified the prosecutor but did so only two weeks later. The family filed a complaint for sexual assault and informed other parents. Two other families also filed complaints against Ryan—one for exhibitionism, the other for sexual assault. The town hall refuted Charlotte's claims, stating that the prosecutor was alerted after the necessary time to draft a precise report.

Anne, co-founder of SOS Periscolaires, a collective tracking reports of child molestation, says authorities across France often react slowly. Since its founding in 2021, the group has registered over 500 cases of sexual or physical violence. Anne believes the teaching assistant sector has become a playground for predators because it is easy to get hired. When assistants are employed by an external company (about 40% of cases), no training or criminal background check is required. Low pay makes it difficult to attract qualified personnel.

Sociologist Jérôme Camus notes that the situation has gradually worsened since a 2013 reform shortened school days and extended non-teaching periods, increasing the need for 2 million teaching assistants. Previously, leisure time was meant for cultural activities; now assistants merely supervise children. Widespread attention came in September 2025 after cases emerged in Paris. The Paris prosecutor's office told DW that reports of molestation by non-teaching staff have since risen to over 100. SOS Periscolaires knows of at least 70 formal complaints nationwide.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire recently confirmed that more than 130 teaching assistants have been suspended since the start of the year, 52 for alleged sexual assault. He announced a €20 million action plan including a system audit, better training and background checks, an efficient alert system, and family support. The measures are to be implemented this autumn. Nationally, several draft laws focus on strengthening background checks.

Lecturer Jean-Michel Bocquet doubts the measures are sufficient: "Non-teaching staff need thorough qualifications to detect inappropriate tendencies in colleagues." He calls for nationwide training and dedicated safe spaces for children to speak out. Charlotte demands a complete overhaul: proper pay, assistants working in pairs, cameras in school corridors, and better parental education on signs of abuse. Her son's case is expected to be heard in the coming months.