School Harassment in Morocco: A Growing Concern

School harassment in Morocco has become a pressing issue, with experts warning that it can have severe consequences for victims. According to Dr. Imane Kendili, a psychiatrist and author, harassment is not just an individual problem but also involves a group dynamic, with bystanders, witnesses, and sometimes adults who fail to intervene. The issue has been exacerbated by the rise of digital technology, which has enabled harassment to spread rapidly and reach victims even in their own homes.

The Moroccan government has taken steps to address the issue, with the Ministry of National Education presenting a national project to prevent and treat harassment and cyberbullying in February 2026. The project includes the establishment of resource teams in secondary schools, training for professionals, and protocols for handling cases. Additionally, the project aims to develop psychosocial competencies, train student ambassadors, and raise awareness among families.

Experts stress that prevention is key to addressing school harassment. This involves creating a safe and supportive school climate, where humiliation is not tolerated as a form of authority or humor. Teachers, educators, and healthcare professionals must be trained to recognize and respond to harassment. Simple procedures, such as knowing who to contact and how to report incidents, must also be put in place.

Effective protocols for addressing harassment must avoid two common pitfalls: minimizing and dramatizing. Minimizing involves downplaying the severity of the incident, while dramatizing involves immediately designating a culprit or organizing a confrontation. Both approaches can lead to children losing trust in adults. Instead, a graduated, individualized, and multidisciplinary approach is needed, involving protection, evaluation, and accompaniment.

The impact of harassment on victims can be severe, leading to feelings of shame, impotence, and isolation. In some cases, victims may experience physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, or exhibit changes in behavior, such as a sudden fear of going to school. Parents and educators must be aware of these signs and take them seriously.

Parents also have a critical role to play in addressing school harassment. When discovering that their child is a victim or perpetrator of harassment, parents must avoid overreacting and instead listen carefully to the situation. Reacting impulsively, such as by confronting another family or publishing the incident on social media, can exacerbate the situation.

The Moroccan government and experts agree that addressing school harassment requires a comprehensive approach that involves education, prevention, and intervention. By working together, it is possible to create a safer and more supportive environment for all students. Key to this effort is educating children on how to recognize and respond to harassment, as well as promoting a culture of empathy and respect.

Key points

• The Moroccan government has launched a national project to prevent and treat harassment and cyberbullying in schools.
• Experts stress that prevention and education are key to addressing school harassment.
• A comprehensive approach involving government, educators, parents, and students is needed to address the issue.