French prime minister Sebastien Lecornu said the government would present a plan to respond to the crisis at the end of October. (EPA Images pic)

PARIS: French security forces do not have orders to "confront" protesting high school students, the prime minister said Wednesday, as allegations of police brutality mounted following days of protests that have shaken the country.

Hundreds of students, police and teaching staff have been injured since the movement demanding better conditions in high schools began, and more than 6,500 people -- mostly minors -- have been arrested.

After rights groups, unions and the students accused authorities of using disproportionate force, the government said it would suspend the use of stun grenades by police at student-led demonstrations.