BRUSSELS (Dispatches) - 
Student protests that began with high school blockades in France spread across Europe, drawing young people into the streets over deteriorating school conditions, teacher shortages, rising education costs and a housing crisis that is making it harder to study.
From France and Belgium to Albania, Greece, Spain and Italy, demonstrations have included school occupations, mass marches and protest camps, with some escalating into clashes with police, Daily Sabah reported.
Though national grievances differ, the unrest reflects growing frustration among young people who say governments are failing to provide the resources and opportunities they need to build their futures.
The protests began in mid-to-late September, when students in the Paris region, particularly around Creteil, blockaded school entrances with trash bins and makeshift barriers.
They cited missing teachers, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating facilities, including mold, broken toilets and classrooms reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during heat waves.
Students have also criticized demanding schedules and Parcoursup, France’s university admissions platform, which they say adds stress and uncertainty to the transition to higher education.
The demonstrations quickly spread nationwide, disrupting hundreds of schools. At the peak, more than 200 high schools were reportedly fully closed, while others faced partial closures or interruptions to classes. University students have also joined the movement.
Turnout estimates have varied widely. On October 13, the Interior Ministry counted at least 161,500 demonstrators, while unions estimated participation at nearly 480,000. Other major protest days earlier in October also drew large crowds.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined demonstrators at a blockaded school in Saint-Denis, North of Paris, on October 13, arguing that young people were being denied a meaningful role in decisions affecting their futures.
Police conduct has become another flashpoint. A teenager lost a hand in Lens, prompting authorities to suspend the use of stun grenades. Other reported injuries included eye damage and dental trauma, while complaints alleging police brutality were under investigation.
Justice Ministry figures cited in reports put the number of people taken into custody at roughly 6,800 to 8,000, with about 85% to 86% of those detained being minors.
Students, school staff and officers were among those reported injured. Although most marches remained largely peaceful, some ended in clashes involving tear gas, police charges and property damage.
Student unions are demanding an emergency school renovation program, large-scale teacher recruitment, improved schedules and greater student representation. They also want major changes to Parcoursup or its repeal, alongside more nurses, psychologists and career advisers.