On Safer Internet Day, the Government is supporting the launch of the 3018 app, a new point of entry for reporting any instances of cyberbullying involving children, in order to ensure rapid and comprehensive support of the victim. Developed with technological and human support from Orange and assistance from the Make.org Foundation, the 3018 app is managed by the e-Enfance Association, which operates 3018, the national helpline for victims of digital violence.
In France, children receive their first digital device at an average age of 10, and 20% of young people aged 8–18 say they have already been confronted with cyberbullying*. Last November, on National Day Against Bullying in Schools, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the launch of the 3018 app to «turn the tables on shame».». This launch responds to the need for better support for victims of cyberbullying in the context of increasing mobile phone use by young people.
Downloadable on all smartphones (iOS or Android), the’application 3018 offers four key functions:
- One instant contact through a chat with a 3018 professional, as well as direct contact via the national number 3018;
- Evidence storage evidence of harassment (screenshots, photos, URL links, etc.) in a secure digital safe, as well as the possibility of transferring all or part of this evidence to the 3018 teams;
- Quick access to practical information sheets on cyberbullying to learn about your rights and how to respond;
- Self-assessment of one's situation using a questionnaire, to encourage the victim to seek help.
3018 has fast-track reporting procedures to have accounts or content removed within hours on networks. He is the partner of Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports, the PHAROS platform and 119-Children in Danger to make priority reports. It advises victims on how to file a complaint, if necessary. With the caller's consent, reports made to 3018 will be forwarded to academic harassment officers to ensure immediate follow-up of the situation within the educational institution.
The launch of this new application is in line with the anti-bullying plan launched in 2018 by the Ministry, which focuses on three main areas: prevention, training and intervention. While the measures implemented in schools have helped to reduce «physical» bullying among pupils, the exponential growth of social media and cyberbullying means that greater action is needed.
In addition to the gradual rollout of the pHARe programme In all schools and colleges since the start of the 2021 academic year, in particular to train all members of the educational community on these issues, the Ministry has initiated a process of dialogue with platforms to encourage them to take full responsibility for preventing such incidents, but also to increase their responsiveness when it comes to removing content.
On the other hand, and in accordance with the request of the President of the Republic, each pupil in Year 6 will take a digital skills certification exam.issue in order to integrate the various dimensions of digital citizenship, including digital responsibility, the fight against cyberviolence, and understanding the technical, social, economic and ecological issues related to the Internet. Tested in 12 departments at the start of the 2022 school year, it will be rolled out across the country at the start of the 2023 school year.
Jean-Michel Blanquer, Minister of National Education, Youth and Sports : «We need to implement a genuine school climate policy that involves the entire educational community and, beyond that, society as a whole, in order to reduce bullying and promote the principle that is its antithesis: fraternity. I am delighted that this new 3018 application can contribute to this.».
Adrien TAQUET, Secretary of State for Children and Families: « The launch of the 3018 app is another essential step towards better protecting children from cyberbullying. Children today have smartphones from the age of 10 on average, and while they may be digital natives, they are also digitally naive. That is why we must provide them with a practical, easy-to-use tool that is already on their mobile phones and that they can therefore turn to more naturally. With the 3018 app, we are reaching out to them directly, ensuring that these situations do not continue and that they can benefit from support from the specialist teams at the e-Enfance Association.
Stéphane RICHARD, Chief Executive Officer of Orange: « Orange, a committed operator and promoter of responsible digital technology, is a long-standing partner of the e-Enfance Association. That is why, last November, we made a commitment to support this initiative led by the President of the Republic, in order to participate in the fight against bullying in schools. I am delighted that Orange is able to provide technological and human support to the e-Enfance Association and the Government, enabling all victims of cyberbullying to access better support, anonymously and securely. ».
Justine ATLAN, Chief Executive Officer of the e-Enfance Association / 3018 : « The 3018 app reinforces the daily work of the national 3018 helpline against digital violence. Young victims of harassment can now access 3018 professionals directly from their phones to get help and break out of isolation. The 3018 app provides immediate and comprehensive support for any situation of harassment. I would like to thank our loyal sponsors and partners, without whom this app would not have been possible. ».
The launch of the application is part of the action plan for the Great Cause for the protection of children against all forms of violence, launched by Make.org in 2021.
Axel DAUCHEZ, Chairman of Make.org: « As part ofThrough the consultation on childhood that we conducted on the Make.org platform, we were able to see how much citizens felt it was necessary to take concrete action to combat violence against children, particularly cyberviolence. The 3018 app is a relevant and useful tool to help young people deal with this scourge. We are extremely proud to support the e-Enfance/3018 Association and to have contributed to the development of this app. ».
*Audirep study for the e-Enfance Association with the support of Caisse d'Epargne
