Following recent school violence incident, the Ministry of National Education is working to implement measures to combat teh phenomenon. However, many human rights advocates argue that these efforts fall short, calling instead for a comprehensive strategy that engages all stakeholders—from families to civil society—to ensure a lasting and effective response. The tragic killing of a French teacher in Erfoud this April, following a brutal assault by one of her students in a public street, has reignited the national debate on school violence and sparked outrage across the education sector and broader society. In response, the Minister of National Education, Primary Education, and Sports, Mohamed Saad Berrada, acknowledged during a parliamentary session on Monday that violence in schools has been on the rise. He outlined several measures the ministry is taking to address the issue, including the introduction of extracurricular activities—such as theater, cinema, and sports—to help curb aggressive behavior within schools. The minister also noted the activation of «vigilance cells» across educational institutions. These units are responsible for monitoring students' psychological and social well-being, with the support of trained specialists, and referring at-risk students for psychological care when needed. One of the more technical measures includes the planned rollout of smart surveillance cameras using artificial intelligence to detect violent incidents and automatically alert authorities. Berrada emphasized ongoing collaboration with security forces to secure school environments and their surroundings. Doubts over impact of repetitive measures However, skepticism remains. According to Mohamed Tigounsa a member of the National Office of the Moroccan Association for Student Rights and an educational inspector at the Marrakech-Safi Academy, most of these measures are not new. Many were outlined in previous ministry memos but never fully implemented—except for the camera initiative, which he acknowledged as a potential innovation if applied broadly. «Any step toward reform is welcome», Tigounsa said, but current efforts are «partial and short-term» and unlikely to result in deep, lasting change. He stressed that school violence both mirrors and contributes to broader societal violence, and addressing it requires a more holistic approach. «Fighting school violence is a collective responsibility», he said. «It demands a national policy grounded in democracy and dialogue—not just narrow, sector-specific solutions. Schools are not isolated from the societies they serve». Tigounsa emphasized that while legal and security measures may help deter violent acts, they don't tackle the root causes, which are embedded in Morocco's social fabric. The School alone can't fix the problem Many civil society voices echo Tigounsa's view, warning against reactionary or cosmetic responses to each new tragedy. What's needed, they argue, is a long-term strategy that treats students as future citizens who deserve a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment—grounded in values of dialogue, accountability, and mutual respect. Wafae Boufrahi, president of the Bassmat El Khair Association—which works to prevent school violence through awareness and training campaigns—stressed that the problem cannot be solved through security or tech solutions alone. «Strengthening schools must begin with their psychological and social foundations», she said. That includes hiring skilled specialists and opening the door for active collaboration with civil society, especially parents' associations, to help monitor student behavior and provide support. Boufrahi also pointed out that holding schools solely accountable for managing violence is unfair, as many incidents happen outside teh school. «The student who committed the Erfoud assault may himself be a victim—of a fragmented social system, of neglect, of an unhealthy upbringing. Cameras and theater clubs won't solve that». She continued: «The teacher was attacked on a public street. Security guards or school cameras can't follow students home. We need a broader view of violence—one that includes families, schools, communities, security forces, and local governments». Boufrahi concluded by stressing the importance of early intervention in cases of concerning behavior, regular communication with parents, and stronger media involvement in public awareness campaigns. «We must instill a culture of dialogue and mutual respect both inside and outside the classroom».
