China is launching a campaign to address student issues such as bullying and excessive homework. The Ministry of Education launched the campaign on Tuesday.
The announcement comes just after the ministry said it was launching a programme to boost mental health.
China has been trying to reform the education sector since 2021 for both teachers and students. It has tried to cut down on the $120 billion private tutoring industry to cut down on education costs. Private tutoring is expensive in China and has put great stress on Chinese students and parents.
Chinese couples have said high education costs are one of their reasons not to have children. This is a big problem for a country suffering from a low birth rate and an aging population.
The focus on bullying comes after a 13-year-old boy was killed in northern China. Three boys have been arrested for allegedly bullying and killing the boy in March 10.
Despite their minor age they could face charges. China lowered the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 for certain crimes in 2021. The Global Times, citing experts, said the case could be the first that goes to court under the new legislation.
Local police are investigating the case as a homicide and have set up a team of more than 60 people to probe the case, state media broadcaster CCTV News reported.
Police in Handan’s Feixiang District declined to comment, and district propaganda officials referred foreign media to CCTV reports on the case.
(REUTERS)
