France's recent string of violent incidents involving schoolchildren has sparked debates around school safety and the role of education in shaping the behaviour and values of the younger generation. And for a good reason. School should never be an unsafe place. In response to these attacks, French officials have proposed measures that include expanding compulsory school attendance to all the days of the week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm for children of college age.

While these measures may seem straightforward, such as keeping children in a controlled environment, they risk further imprisoning young learners in a system that prioritizes authority over autonomy. Why could such a solution not nurture children and could instead exacerbate the issues? And what could be the long-term holistic strategies to implement in education?

Suppressing Freedom and Curiosity
The proposed measures restrict children's freedom and opportunities for self-directed learning by confining them to a rigid school schedule from early morning until evening. Children thrive when they can explore their interests, engage with the world outside the classroom, and develop their perspectives. Excessive control can suppress their natural curiosity and stifle their creative potential, leaving them frustrated and unhappy.

Overlooking Holistic Development
Education should encompass more than just academic learning; it should also foster personal growth, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. The proposed measures focus primarily on discipline and control, which may limit children's opportunities to learn through play, social interactions, and diverse experiences. Holistic development requires a balanced approach that values a child's well-being beyond the classroom.

Perpetuating Standardized Approaches
Extending compulsory school hours could perpetuate the standardization of education, which often fails to cater to individual learning styles and talents. This one-size-fits-all approach may lead to disengagement and frustration among students who do not thrive within a rigid structure. It may also further alienate those who feel disconnected from their educational experience.

Ignoring the Importance of Community and Family
The proposed measures emphasise school authority while downplaying the role of families and communities in children's lives. Extending school hours may give children less time to spend with their families and engage with their communities, which play crucial roles in a child's overall development and sense of belonging.

Failing to Address Root Causes
The measures proposed by officials focus on curbing symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of violence among adolescents. Understanding and tackling underlying issues such as social inequality, lack of access to opportunities, and systemic challenges within the education system is crucial for meaningful change.

Extending the school day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm can harm holistic child development. This rigid schedule disrupts children's circadian rhythms, essential for regulating sleep patterns, hormone production, and overall well-being. A consistent and healthy sleep cycle supports cognitive function, mood regulation, and physical health, which are critical for a child's development. Additionally, excessive time in structured indoor environments may negatively impact children's gut microbiome health (gut-brain connection) by limiting their exposure to natural outdoor settings. This disruption can affect their immune system, digestion, and mental health. Holistic approaches to education emphasize a balance between academic pursuits and opportunities for physical activity, outdoor learning, and free play. Over-scheduling the school day may inhibit these crucial aspects of a child's development, ultimately stifling their potential for growth and exploration.

It’s important to focus on long-term solutions to create a nurturing and inclusive educational environment in France, addressing aggression triggers through student agency, along with explanations of why each step matters:

Promote Nutrition Education and Access:
- Why It Matters: Proper nutrition is essential for students' cognitive and physical development. By empowering students with knowledge about healthy eating and providing access to nutritious food, we support their overall health and ability to focus and learn. Involving students in planning and preparing meals fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility over their food choices.
Encourage Healthy Gaming Habits:
- Why It Matters: Excessive video game use can negatively impact students' sleep, academic performance, and social interactions. Educating students about responsible gaming, we help them strike a balance between gaming and other activities, fostering well-rounded development. Involving students in creating guidelines for healthy gaming habits encourages self-regulation and thoughtful decision-making.
Integrate Mindfulness Practices:
- Why It Matters: Mindfulness practices help students manage stress and emotions, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. Introducing meditation, breathing exercises, and reflection techniques into the school day equips students with tools to navigate challenges and develop resilience.
Teach Conflict Resolution Skills:
- Why It Matters: Conflict is a natural part of life, but unresolved conflicts can lead to aggression and harm. Teaching students effective conflict resolution skills promotes peaceful interactions, reduces incidents of violence, and fosters a positive school culture. Peer mediation and role-playing exercises help students learn to communicate effectively and resolve issues calmly.
Create Safe Spaces for Expression:
- Why It Matters: Providing students with outlets for self-expression allows them to process their emotions and thoughts healthily. Safe spaces for expression support mental health and emotional regulation, reducing the risk of aggression and other negative behaviour. Offering art, music, and writing as outlets for self-expression also fosters creativity and personal growth.
Involve Students in Policy and Program Development:
- Why It Matters: Giving students a voice in shaping school policies and programs promotes a sense of agency and responsibility. When students actively participate in decision-making, they are more invested in creating a positive school environment and are better equipped to advocate for their needs and well-being. We create a collaborative and supportive culture that fosters mutual respect by involving students in food, gaming, and mindfulness decisions.
Emphasize Outdoor Learning and Body Movement:
- Why It Matters: Outdoor learning and body movement are crucial for students' well-being, including balancing hormones, improving mood, and fostering physical health. By incorporating outdoor activities such as sports, nature walks, and environmental education into the curriculum, students can enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise. This approach supports cognitive function, emotional regulation, and a deeper connection with the natural world, creating a holistic learning experience.

Education plants the seeds of change, shaping how we learn and, ultimately, how we live. By redefining success and looking beyond traditional grades, we open the door to a more meaningful, holistic approach to learning. While ensuring the safety and well-being of students is extremely important, the proposed measures to extend school hours may inadvertently do more harm than good in the long run. Instead of imposing stricter schedules, education officials should prioritize a more holistic approach that empowers children, fosters their autonomy, and addresses the broader social issues. By nurturing a more inclusive and flexible educational environment, France can pave the way for a brighter, more just future for its young learners.

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