Over 400 detained as school protests spread across France

French authorities detained more than 400 people, most of them minors, on Tuesday as student protests intensified at high schools nationwide, according to the interior minister.

The unrest, which started in Paris and has involved teenagers blockading their schools for several days, is being driven by grievances such as overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of teachers.

Officials reported that at least 10 teachers, a number of students, and 48 police officers were hurt during Tuesday's demonstrations. The education ministry said around 400 schools were affected by the protests.

Images and footage circulating from the scenes appeared to show rubbish bins set alight and damage to bus shelters in various locations, including a blockade at a secondary school in Lille.

French Education Minister Édouard Geffray responded on social media platform X, acknowledging students' right to demonstrate while describing reports of violent behaviour during the protests as unacceptable.