RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluation of the Effect of the BOAT® Structured Prevention Program on Violence in Middle Schools

This research is looking into a program called BOAT®, which stands for a 'Toolbox' designed to prevent violence, especially sexual and gender-based violence, in secondary schools. Violence can really hurt children and teenagers' health and how they grow up. The BOAT® program has been created by experts at Montpellier University Hospital to be used by school staff with students aged 5 to 18. It has 134 easy-to-use activities spread across 5 themes and different age groups. These activities aim to lower things that put young people at risk of violence and build up things that protect them. This study will check how well the BOAT® program works in various secondary schools in France to help make schools safer for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

5,400

Start

02 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Students Middle Schools Prevention Violence

What is this study about?

Violence can have a serious impact on young people's health and how they develop, especially in secondary schools where it's quite common. To help tackle this, a team of experts in France has created a special program called BOAT®. Think of BOAT® as a 'Toolbox' (that's what the French name translates to) filled with ideas and activities to stop violence, particularly sexual and gender-based violence, before it starts.

This study wants to find out if using the BOAT® program in secondary schools can make a real difference. The program is designed for school professionals and teachers to use with students between 5 and 18 years old. It's structured around five main topics and is very easy to use. It has 134 different activities, all carefully designed to reduce risk factors (things that might lead to violence) and strengthen protective factors (things that help keep young people safe). The main goal is to prevent children from either becoming victims or from being involved in violence themselves.

Researchers from Montpellier University Hospital will be working with 60 secondary schools over four school years, from 2023 to 2027. They want to see if the program helps create a safer environment for students aged 13 to 17. The first year of the study will be spent getting everything ready in the schools. If this program works, it could be a great step towards making schools safer and healthier places for all young people.

Key takeaways

A new school program called BOAT® is being tested to prevent violence.
It aims to protect students and reduce violence in secondary schools.
The study involves students aged 13-17 and school staff.
It will run in selected schools over four school years.
Participation is voluntary and you can leave at any time.
The goal is to make schools safer for young people.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be a student or a member of the teaching staff at one of the secondary schools that have been chosen to participate. For students, you must be in the equivalent of Year 9 or Year 10 (which is typically for students aged between 13 and 17) and be randomly selected to take part.

There are also some reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. For students, if your parents (or even just one parent with legal responsibility) say no, or if you yourself don't want to take part, then you won't be included. Similarly, if you're a member of the school staff and you don't want to participate, that's absolutely fine.

Also, because the study materials and instructions will be in French, anyone who doesn't speak French or can't understand what the study is about, why it's being done, and how it works, won't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a student in Year 9 or 10 (aged 13-17) at a participating secondary school?
Are you a teacher or staff member at a participating secondary school?
Do you speak and understand French?
Neither you nor your parents have said no to taking part in the study.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your child are invited to take part in this study, the school will be involved for four school years. The first year will be about getting everything organised. For students, participation would involve taking part in the activities from the BOAT® program as part of your school day. These activities are designed to help you learn about preventing violence and staying safe. School staff taking part would be using the BOAT® program with students. There are no medications involved. The study will mainly observe how the program works and its effects over time.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is the chance to learn skills and tools that can help prevent violence and promote safety in your school community. This program aims to create a more positive and secure environment for everyone. As with any school program, there are no major risks expected, but some discussions might touch on sensitive topics related to violence, which could be uncomfortable for some individuals. You or your child have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and this will not affect your relationship with the school or your education.

Locations (1)

CHU de MONTPELLIER
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the BOAT® program?

It's a special 'Toolbox' of activities designed to help prevent violence, especially sexual and gender-based violence, in schools.

Who can take part in this study?

Students aged 13-17 in certain secondary school years and school staff at participating schools who agree to join.

How long will the study last?

The study involves schools over four school years, from 2023 to 2027.

Are there any medicines involved?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It's about a prevention program.

Can I stop participating if I want to?

Yes, you or your child can stop taking part in the study at any time without any problems or need to explain why.

How to find out more

Mathieu LACAMBRE, PH

m-lacambre@chu-montpellier.fr 0467338577 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.