The 2026 school year began on Tuesday, September 1st, for millions of students across France. Several issues marked this return to school, including a ban on mobile phones in high schools, a cyberattack affecting certain academic regions, and ongoing debates about teachers' salaries and disciplinary measures. Education Minister Édouard Geffray accompanied President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Chaptal High School in Mende, Lozère, to announce the total ban on mobile phones in these schools. However, this measure has raised questions about its feasibility, particularly due to the use of Pronote, a digital platform used by students and teachers for school-related tasks. The start of the school year was disrupted in the academies of Nantes and Toulouse due to a cyberattack revealed in late July. Although the ministry announced that 28 out of 30 academies had returned to normal operations, staff in the affected academies continue to deal with the lack of access to professional email accounts, student and family databases, and certain administrative applications. The minister stated that the school year was proceeding under normal conditions for students. Bruno Retailleau, president of the Republicans and a presidential candidate, proposed the creation of "disciplinary boarding schools" for repeat offenders, violent students, or bullies as part of his campaign. This idea is part of a broader discussion on discipline and pedagogical approaches in education. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal expressed his intention to increase teachers' salaries and prioritize the National Education system, despite budget constraints. Several presidential candidates, including Édouard Philippe, Raphaël Glucksmann, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, have also proposed measures to raise teachers' pay. The general secretary of the CGT union, Sophie Binet, called for a major strike on September 29 in the public sector, in opposition to what the union expects to be a regressive budget. The government has ruled out a general salary increase for public sector employees in 2026 due to financial costs. In some cities, like Neuilly-sur-Marne, the school year begins with students wearing a uniform to foster cohesion and a sense of belonging. In Gironde, areas affected by summer wildfires are gradually returning to normal, with a school year marked by the resumption of activities. A survey by IFOP for the Excellence Ruralité Foundation revealed that 88% of French people believe education should be a top priority for the new president. However, some observers have noted that this school year has been relatively calm, with few major reforms compared to previous years.