A privately-run school in southern China has sparked significant controversy after mandATING parents to approve corporal punishment rules for their children, with serious consequences for non-compliance.
Longyuan Experimental School, located in Yangjiang, Guangdong province, recently made headlines when it was revealed they asked parents to sign consent forms. This move allows for corporal punishment measures such as whipping the palms of students and imposing lengthy periods of standing. If parents refuse to consent, there are reports indicating their children may be transferred to another campus.
Reported by Jimu News, the school's regulations stipulate teachers can strike students' palms up to ten times for each punishment incident. The standing punishment can last two hours, raising alarms among child advocacy groups and parents who question the morality and effectiveness of such disciplinary tactics.
The rationale behind these harsh measures, according to the school, revolves around instilling responsibility among students. "We aim to let students bear responsibility for the mistakes they have made. So they will have a higher awareness about preventing similar mistakes and they will become good, law-abiding citizens," the school stated.
These disciplinary practices have polarized opinion across mainland social media. Supporters argue such measures can contribute to developing discipline and responsibility, but they come at the expense of children's emotional and physical well-being.
Critics, including child psychologists and education experts, contend corporal punishment is outdated and counterproductive. They argue it can lead to severe psychological issues and discourage students from engaging positively with their education. Many are also concerned about the lack of modern educational principles, which prioritize the emotional development and mental health of students.
Interestingly, the school's disciplinary framework does not only outline corporal punishment rules but also imposes several dress codes and grooming standards. For example, male students are prohibited from having long hair, and female students are banned from applying lipstick, having manicures, or wearing jewelry. This has raised concerns about individual expression and the personal autonomy of students.
Parents have found themselves caught between the school's harsh requirements and the desire to protect their children. The fear of possible transfer to another institution if they refuse to consent to corporal punishment is causing distress among families.
The broader national conversation around corporal punishment remains fraught with tension. While some provinces have moved away from physical discipline, others still embed these practices deeply within their educational systems. China’s education reform has also sparked debate about balancing discipline and care, especially with increasing awareness of child rights and well-being.
Efforts to modernize educational practices face considerable resistance, particularly from institutions where traditional views on discipline are entrenched. The clash between progressive educational ideals and traditional disciplinary approaches is expected to continue as parents and society grapple with this complex issue.
It remains to be seen how the situation at Longyuan Experimental School will develop and whether the backlash will prompt broader changes across the nation. The discussion over corporal punishment practices is far from over, exemplifying the contentious debates surrounding child development and education methodologies. Advocates for change hope this incident will shed light on the necessity for educational reforms focused on more humane disciplinary practices and greater respect for children's rights.