Implemented to Strengthen Family Bonds at Chinese School
School Issues Apology as SNS Videos Spark Widespread Criticism
A high school in China has sparked controversy after implementing so-called "guilt education," in which parents knelt and lay face down to form a "human bridge" for students to walk over. On October 12, international media outlets including the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a video filmed at a high school in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, has become the subject of heated debate.
Photos and videos posted on social networking services (SNS) show students wearing blindfolds lying face down in a line on the floor, stepping over the backs of parents in what appears to be a school auditorium. Photo by TVBS NEWS
Photos and videos posted on social networking services (SNS) show students wearing blindfolds stepping over the backs of parents who are lined up and lying face down on the floor in what appears to be a school auditorium. The footage also captured people standing on either side of the prone parents, holding the arms of the blindfolded students to help them move forward. According to SCMP, the host played emotional music and encouraged the students by saying, "Please go ahead."
According to the school, the event was intended to instill a sense of responsibility and gratitude toward parents in students. Participants were reportedly first-year students. One user claiming to be a student at the school said, "We didn't know who would participate in creating the so-called 'human bridge.'" Another user commented, "As soon as one female student removed her blindfold, she realized she was stepping on her parent and immediately burst into tears."
The image also captured people standing on either side of the prone parents holding the arms of the blindfolded students, helping them move forward. The host played emotional music and encouraged the students by saying, "Please go ahead," SCMP reported. TVBS NEWS
The revelation of this educational activity sparked heated debate on local social media. Some users responded by saying, "Through this kind of education, children will better understand and respect their parents' sacrifices by studying harder." However, the majority argued that "it only damages family bonds and instills harmful guilt in students," and "using the act of stepping on others to exert moral pressure on children should never be allowed." On the other hand, some users commented, "It doesn't seem so bad if the intention is to indirectly teach children about their parents' sacrifices," "If it was for educational purposes and the parents agreed, it should be fine," and "Would it be acceptable if it was a friend or someone else lying underneath instead of a parent?"
Amid mounting criticism, the school stated, "This activity was conducted voluntarily by two classes with parental consent," and added, "We apologize for causing misunderstanding due to inappropriate management." The school also announced plans to improve its educational approach with a greater focus on students' mental health. The education authorities said they have received complaints from students and are investigating the matter.
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