Evaëlle, an 11-year-old student, tragically committed suicide by hanging on June 21, 2019, at her home in Herblay-sur-Seine, France, after suffering from bullying. In a significant legal development in April 2026, her former French teacher, Pascale B., was convicted of school bullying and sentenced to a one-year suspended prison sentence, along with a permanent ban from teaching.

Evaëlle was 11 years old when she died

The French school system is often criticized for being rigid, authoritarian, and stressful, characterized by long hours, heavy workloads, and strict, negative-feedback-based grading. It emphasizes rote memorization over creativity, creating a high-pressure environment that can stifle confidence, though some argue it offers high academic rigor and structure.
Key issues frequently cited in include:

Rigid Atmosphere: Schools are often considered authoritarian, where children are expected to sit, be quiet, and conform.
Strict Grading: Grades start at zero, and high marks are rare, contrasting with systems that reward effort, as seen on YouTube: Don't Put Your Kids in French School.
Negative Reinforcement: Teachers may use public criticism for errors rather than encouragement, as noted by 6 reasons why you suck at French.
Long Days: Students face long school days and significant homework, leading to exhaustion.
Lack of Individualism: Focus is on collective, top-down instruction rather than tailored learning, according to some Facebook group users.