Letter to the editor. Do not romanticize the revolt of the French students

In the media's portrayal of the school protests in France, there are plenty of young idealists and a burning will to fight. Strangely enough, the students who just want to get into the classrooms never get to play the lead role in Swedish media such as SVT Nyheter and Dagens ETC.

That adult politicians, as reported by French Le Monde, have encouraged and participated in the French school demonstrations - which in some places degenerated into outright riots - is deplorable enough. If adults also co-ordinated, participated in and fueled violence – something that has been claimed by political representatives on the right in France – it is extremely reprehensible.

What are their true intentions, and whose business are they running? It is then not the neat and diligent children's.

"A high school was set on fire, staff doused with gasoline, extensive damage." This is how France's education minister describes the events, according to SVT. In the twisted situation that prevails, all adults should act as adults by helping to de-escalate the conflict, protect children and school staff,

Take the children by the hand and lead the protesters back to the school desk! Instigators and those who obstruct must be removed from the school grounds. If the situation so requires: Give them a temporary suspension from all teaching. Anyone who has committed a violent crime must also be able to be brought to justice. Blocking other children's schooling is a fundamental interference with their right to education.

Media, not least Swedish, should instead of presenting the activists' demands with a left-leaning and revolutionary romantic shimmer, scrutinize those who prevent the well-behaved children from going to school and getting their degree.

School children should not be used as clubs in a socialist political struggle and favor the radical activists who are given media attention.

Basically, it is excellent that children and young people exercise their freedoms and rights by arguing passionately and taking a clear position on an issue But prolonged demonstrations and protests mean time away from vital teaching.

Adult society, including parents, school leaders, politicians and authorities, must put their foot down and unanimously reject attempts at school blockades, the slightest threat to staff and any form of vandalism - regardless of how worthy the demands for the improvements may be considered to be. Do not disturb, important training is in progress!