'Massive' child abuse scandal in France as school staff investigated for sexual assault

Paris police are examining more than 100 allegations of mistreatment, physical violence and rape of children as young as three by school monitors

Parents’ groups said they had fought for years for allegations to be taken seriously. They said failures in the recruitment process and checking of school monitors had allowed abuse to continue. File picture: AP

Mon, 25 May, 2026 - 16:59

Angelique Chrisafis

France is facing a child abuse scandal as ‘monitors’ at dozens of state nursery and primary schools are investigated for violence, sexual assault and rape.

Paris police are examining more than 100 allegations of mistreatment, physical violence and rape of children as young as three by school monitors during lunch breaks, nap times and after-school activities, prosecutors have confirmed.