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France has been left in mourning following the death of a nine-year-old girl in the northeastern town of Sarreguemines, with authorities pointing to suicide linked to school bullying as the likely cause.
The child’s body was discovered at home on Saturday, prosecutors confirmed, adding that early findings indicated a “voluntary act”. Police sources revealed that she left a farewell letter to her family.
According to her mother, the girl had been bullied by classmates who mocked her about her weight, and she had previously spoken of wanting to end her life.
Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing bullying as “a scourge, a slow poison that erodes self-confidence and can lead to the worst.” Attal, who founded an anti-bullying association last year while serving as education minister, urged stronger efforts to combat harassment in schools.
Regional education authorities said they were “shaken by this tragic event”, confirming that an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.
On Monday, white roses adorned the railings outside the school in a spontaneous display of grief.
One of her classmates, Abnor, told reporters the girl was often insulted on her way home. “In class, she laughed and was cheerful, but sometimes they insulted her,” he said. “We’re in school to learn, not to bully. Not here, nor anywhere else in the world.” The case has reignited national concern about bullying in French schools.
