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Of course eventually, the ban was extended to all school children, and most teachers were grateful, given that inebriated children would usually end up sleeping through lessons, show signs of inattentiveness, or hyperactivity.
Male hands with French flag, glass of wine and croissant on blue background | Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock
In an attempt to reduce alcoholism and addiction amongst these children, the tradition was replaced with campaigns to drink milk, sold with slogans such as: “To be studious, strong and vigorous, drink milk!”
As recent as it may seem, it was only in September 1981, shortly after the election of François Mitterrand, that alcoholic drinks were banned from high schools once and for all, when water became the only drink encouraged at the table. “In canteens and school restaurants, no alcoholic beverages are to be served, even if water is cut off,” said Alain Savary, Minister of National Education at the time.
There are many surreal videos of French kids under the age of 14 supping alcohol at the school canteen under the beaming eyes of teachers.
About the author 
Jade is an English travel writer & journalist whose love of languages led her to Paris. She has bylines in The Guardian and The Times amongst other publications.
Source link : https://theculturetrip.com/europe/france/articles/why-french-schoolchildren-used-to-drink-wine-between-lessons
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Publish date : 2024-10-25 07:00:00
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