Student demonstrations over school conditions have spread across France, affecting more than 300 schools, CBS News reported.
What started with blockades at 10 schools in a low-income suburb near Paris has since grown into a nationwide movement.
Here's what to know
Students point to packed classrooms, teacher shortages, lengthy school days, and rooms they say turned "unbearably hot" during heat waves as reasons behind the protests, CBS News reported in a video posted to TikTok.
@cbsnews Hundreds of French students are protesting overcrowded and overheated classrooms, teacher shortages and long days, with demonstrations now affecting more than 300 schools nationwide. As CBS News' @leighkiniry reports, more than 160 people have been arrested as police respond to some protests that have gotten increasing violent. #france #school #protest #students ♬ original sound - cbsnews
The protesting students pushed messages including, "There are more hours of class than sleep each day." They also pushed back against class sizes of 35 students.
In some areas, the demonstrations have turned hazardous. CBS said more than 160 people have been arrested, and a 14-year-old was injured by a riot control grenade launcher.
Some students have peacefully blocked entrances, while others set garbage bins on fire and threw objects at authorities, according to the video.
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"All the government seems to be able to offer us today is a ban on mobile phones, but that's not at all what we're asking for," said one 16-year-old protester quoted in the video.
The student actions are happening at the same time as broader strikes aimed at securing funding commitments from President Emmanuel Macron's government ahead of the 2027 budget.
One commenter pointed out that firefighters have joined students in mobilizing to push for additional funding.
More background
Commenters generally sided with the students, emphasizing the validity of their complaints.
"Having school from 8am - 6pm is not okay," said one.
"You might look at this and say 'typical France' but honestly they are setting an example on how we can not just accept injustice in education," added another.
What do student protesters want?
In their protests, students are calling for smaller class sizes, more school staff, and school buildings that can better withstand dangerous heat.
The government's response has mainly centered on policing the protests and warnings about escalation. CBS said France's prime minister also accused the far-left France Unbowed party of pushing students to expand the protest movement.
Where can I learn more?
Students elsewhere are also pushing back over school conditions and safety. These stories look at campus protests, climate-focused school campaigns, unsafe routes to class, and stricter enforcement on school grounds.
• At Hyderabad Central University, videos of police and JCBs fueled protests over campus development.
• In Washington, D.C., students pushed a Green New Deal for healthier public schools.
• In Barbados, students rallied through city streets, noting, "This is our future."
• In Calgary, parents warned students faced a risky journey to school near Crossing Park School.
• Across U.S. schools, administrators and sheriffs intensified efforts against a dangerous habit sweeping across campuses.
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