French student protests over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and poor school conditions have spread nationwide, with some demonstrations turning violent.

Authorities say about 2,000 people, mostly teenagers, have been arrested since the protests began, while roughly 400 schools have been closed. 

Students have also protested proposed education funding levels, arguing that schools need more resources to address deteriorating facilities and staffing shortages. 

The government has deployed additional riot police, while officials and rights groups have raised competing concerns about violence by protesters and the use of force against minors, NBC News has reported.

The unrest has become a major political issue in France, with the government and opposition parties disputing its causes and how authorities should respond.