High schoolers protesting in France say that it’s a giant and frustrating struggle to make themselves heard. Pupils have been protesting for weeks about underfunded schools and uncertain futures. Their protests have sparked a national conversation about school funding, cost-of-living struggles and heavy-handed policing. In Serbia, student-led protests unseated a populist leader, while in Albania, students are pressuring the government. Greta Thunberg noted that youth movements are inspired by each other globally. However, young people are losing ground to older generations who now outnumber them. Some suggest lowering the voting age to give young people a bigger voice.

France’s government has pledged to replace its national online university admissions platform in 2028. The move announced on Monday seeks to quell student anger after weeks of mass protests over education and living costs. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste announced during a news conference “substantial change” for 2027 before the platform’s replacement in 2028. The system is called Parcoursup and handles applications to universities and other higher education courses. Students have criticized unclear selection criteria and unequal access to their preferred courses. The announcements followed France’s worst unrest in years on Oct. 17. Demonstrations over school funding and rising living costs descended into rioting and looting across the country.

French authorities have banned protests planned for Thursday in multiple cities after a weekend of violent unrest. The turmoil in Paris and other cities led to a strong security response, including night curfews. Demonstrations in Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Grenoble have been banned, sparking concerns over the right to protest. High school and university groups plan to continue mobilizing despite the ban and the autumn school break. The Paris police prefecture says the ban is necessary due to the risk of violence. Authorities are preparing for another big protest day on Saturday, with a massive security operation planned.