On Wednesday, high school students across France once again took to the streets to express their frustrations with the current state of education and society. In an editorial for the youth magazine Vert, editor-in-chief Loup Espargilière reflects on what it means to be 16 years old in 2026. The article features a photograph from Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis), taken on October 4, 2026, which shows poor school infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms, according to Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP. Espargilière paints a picture of a generation raised in a world defined by ongoing crises—financial, economic, climate, and democratic—alongside rising inflation and social unrest, such as the Yellow Vest protests. Espargilière argues that today’s 16-year-olds face an uncertain future, with no clear path to paying for their education or securing a job that won’t be replaced by artificial intelligence. He writes that they are expected to struggle more than their parents, with doubts about ever receiving a pension and fears of dying prematurely due to factors like war, climate change, or a pandemic. He also notes that this generation was born into a world shaped by the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, where suspicion and surveillance are common. The editorial criticizes the indifference of adults toward pressing issues like polluted water, air, and food, especially given that France has the highest cancer rate in the world. It also references the climate crisis, which could lead to thousands of deaths annually in France. The article recalls the first genocide of the 21st century, which students have witnessed live for three years, highlighting their exposure to global tragedies. Espargilière challenges the notion that today’s youth are "stupid" because of their use of screens, arguing that adults often blame technology without realizing they have no real power to regulate platforms like TikTok. He points out that when students demand a better education with proper teacher-student ratios, they risk facing violence. The article includes videos showing students being physically harmed by armed police, with some adults justifying the use of force or condemning the students for burning trash. Espargilière concludes by questioning whether society is finally listening to those directly affected by these issues.