Over €1.4M to Combat School Bullying in Wallonia-Brussels

The Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FWB) has announced an investment of more than 1.4 million euros to combat school bullying and cyberbullying for the 2026-2027 academic year, according to RTBF. Education Minister Valérie Glatigny confirmed that the government adopted a ministerial order securing the financing of the framework program, which will support 235 schools across the French-speaking community of Belgium.

Background of the Anti-Bullying Framework

The framework program was originally launched in January 2023 under former Education Minister Caroline Désir (PS). As BX1 reported at the time, Désir described the initiative as providing a “structural framework” for anti-bullying policy, noting that despite seven years of effort, the approach had not yet been effective enough.

The program operates on a four-year cycle, accompanying schools through a comprehensive process designed to make them eventually autonomous in handling bullying prevention. Participating schools receive support from specialized operators and follow a structured methodology that includes diagnosis of school climate, training for educational teams, development of intervention procedures, student awareness campaigns, and parent involvement.

235 Schools to Continue Participation

As the 2026-2027 school year approaches in September, 235 schools will continue their participation in the program. DHnet reported that the program relies on mobilizing the entire educational community, from students to school directors, including teachers, educators, and parents.

Some schools have created specialized intervention cells, while others train students as “young ambassadors” tasked with preventing or detecting bullying situations. Each participating school designates a “school climate delegate” responsible for coordinating prevention actions and ensuring follow-up. Educational teams receive training in various intervention methods.

The approach is integrated into schools’ management plans and undergoes regular evaluations and support, according to Télésambre.

Political Context and Continuity

The funding announcement represents a notable instance of cross-party continuity on education policy. The framework program was initiated under a PS-led government but is now being continued under the current MR-Les Engagés coalition that took office after the 2024 regional elections. Valérie Glatigny (MR) succeeded Caroline Désir (PS) as Education Minister following those elections.

The investment comes at a time when the FWB faces significant budgetary constraints, with a reported debt of 11 billion euros and ongoing austerity measures in education. The education sector has experienced tensions, including teacher protests against austerity and a “March for Education” in January 2026. The anti-bullying funding, however, appears to have been preserved as a priority.

Program Impact and Methodology

The framework program was created in response to concerning statistics indicating that approximately one in three students in the FWB experiences bullying. A key innovation was the creation of an “Observatory of School Climate” to gather scientific data on the phenomenon and inform evidence-based policy decisions.

The multi-pronged approach reflects international best practices in bullying prevention. By combining diagnosis, training, intervention protocols, awareness campaigns, and parent engagement, the program aims to create a comprehensive safety net within schools. The four-year support model is designed to build lasting capacity within educational institutions.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026-2027 school year set to begin in September, the 235 participating schools will continue implementing their anti-bullying programs with renewed financial backing. The investment of over 1.4 million euros signals the FWB government’s continued commitment to addressing school bullying, even amid broader budgetary pressures.

As the program enters its fourth year, questions remain about its measurable outcomes since the 2023 launch and how the current funding compares to previous years. The continued expansion of school participation suggests growing confidence in the framework approach, but long-term impact data will be crucial for evaluating its effectiveness in creating safer learning environments across the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.