Deux jeunes en détresse face au gouvernement (ministre de l'Enseignement supérieur Frédérique Vidal)

A video was broadcast on Sunday featuring testimonies from young students who spontaneously sent voice messages describing their difficult situations. The video circulated widely, prompting the need to give young people direct voice to pose their questions to the government minister.

Mylène, 22 years old, second-year Master's student in Philosophy, discusses living through two confinements alone and experiencing psychological distress including bulimia crises and thoughts of self-harm despite having financial stability as a grant recipient.

• Mylène researched psychological support through mental health vouchers as a measure to help with her struggles • She discovered the process requires seeing a general practitioner first for a prescription, then referral to a psychologist • The vouchers cover limited sessions, creating a barrier to seeking help

The minister explains that the system is now structured with the state covering comprehensive care: initial sessions with a psychologist, and if longer therapy is needed, patients enter a pathway with psychiatrists who can prescribe medications when necessary.

Students report experiencing psychological distress from isolation and lack of social interaction during confinements and curfews, beyond just financial difficulties.

• With an 18-hour curfew, students must complete errands before closing time • After work and studies, minimal time remains to go out, see friends, or engage in normal activities • Even when not in full confinement, practical constraints make social interaction nearly impossible

The threat of potential future confinements creates a sense of dread, questioning why students should rebuild normal life if another lockdown might follow, preventing them from moving forward psychologically.

The minister observed that some students were self-imposing stricter confinement than required, and notes the importance of clearly communicating that university protocols were designed to prevent closure even if future lockdowns occur.

Bertie, 21 years old, third-year Psychology student at Lille, completed both confinements at her parents' home in the countryside while attempting to follow courses online.

• Internet connection quality was extremely poor in her rural location • She experienced constant disconnections during lessons, making online learning difficult and frustrating • This situation was shared by other classmates who faced similar connectivity issues

Bertie struggles to understand why supermarkets remain open with crowds gathering, yet students are denied the ability to study in decent conditions and cannot access essential university experiences.

• Student life extends beyond classroom attendance to conferences, meetings with inspiring people, professional networking, and internship opportunities • In-person learning at university develops competencies and contributes to diploma value differently than home study • At a critical age for planning professional futures, students need access to these opportunities

There is a significant reality that many young people are dropping out of their studies during this period, raising urgent questions about what support the government will provide.

• National statistics show dropout rates are approximately 5% lower than the previous year • According to a December 2020 National Assembly investigative commission report, one in six young people stopped their studies • When arriving in 2017, there was a 30% first-year abandonment rate, which the current situation approaches

• The government implemented the Orientation and Success law creating personalized pathways with study directors • This approach was reducing first-year abandonment rates before the current crisis • The current situation poses a risk to these gains, despite professors' remarkable engagement efforts

Young people dropping out may face financial difficulties and loss of confidence, with impacts lasting long-term. This is fundamentally a mental health crisis requiring responses proportionate to the enormous challenge, with urgent attention needed for this generation's well-being.