A Child with Bound Hands Submerged in Water... The 'Devil Training' Trending in China

"Real-time Broadcast for Parents to Watch Training"
"Children's Safety Guaranteed"

A children's camp in China is facing child abuse controversy after conducting activities reminiscent of 'military-style training' on a child who is afraid of water.

On the 1st, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a video showing ruthless training being forced on children at a camp in southern China was posted online, sparking public criticism. SCMP noted that some refer to this as 'demon training.'

The released video shows an instructor forcibly pushing the head of an 11-year-old boy underwater in an outdoor swimming pool. The boy's hands were tied behind his back. When the boy, led by the instructor's hand, kept kicking underwater but slowed down, the instructor shouted, "Faster! Faster!"

A camp that conducts 'military-style training' for children has emerged in China, sparking controversy over child abuse. [Image source = SCMP]

As the controversy grew, the camp director explained, "Many children are afraid to immerse themselves in water," adding, "The boy in the video showed timid behavior, and the training was intended to help him overcome psychological barriers and practice swimming." He further stated, "The pool water is 90cm deep, so there is no risk of children drowning, and the water quality is clean." He also added, "All training sessions are broadcast live so that parents can watch."

The camp said that besides swimming, there are other activities such as running every morning. The camp director said, "Parents send their children to our camp to develop strong character, willpower, and good habits," assuring, "The safety of the children is guaranteed."

However, Chinese psychotherapist Mari expressed concern, saying, "Such methods can rather leave psychological scars on children." Mari said, "If children are vulnerable to frustration and stress, this approach may have the opposite effect rather than building resilience."

According to SCMP, this camp, held annually since 2018, hosts 500 to 600 children. The cost ranges from 2,000 to 7,000 yuan (approximately 380,000 to 1,320,000 KRW) depending on the length of stay.

Meanwhile, military-style training camps for children are known to be common in China. These camps aim to instill discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness in children.

Another children's military-style training camp advertised, "Is your child addicted to their mobile phone, easily distracted, unwilling to study, and disrespectful to elders? If so, come here." It added, "We will make your child more independent."