Early Start: A New Way to Stop Bullying

A fresh idea is being tested in French schools. The plan begins when children are just five years old, not when they reach middle school as most programs do. Researchers want to see if a full program that mixes anti‑bullying lessons with social‑emotional learning can protect kids for years. The program, called Vivre Ensemble-Fri for Mobberi, is designed to fit each child’s age. It starts in preschool and follows the students all the way through elementary grades.The study will use a randomized controlled trial, meaning some classes get the program while others follow normal routines. By comparing the two groups over time, scientists can measure whether the early start really helps kids feel safer and more connected. This is a long‑term test; it will look at outcomes for several years, not just the first few months. That helps answer whether early habits stick or fade away. If the results are positive, schools could adopt this model nationwide, giving children a stronger shield against bullying from the very beginning of their school journey.