Recently, there has been a disturbing trend of students in Wuhan, Hubei province, jumping from buildings, leading to the cancellation of midterm exams in several local districts. All schools have organized parent meetings to strengthen psychological counseling for children. The serious problems in the mainland education system have sparked reflections from parents, schools, and teachers.
Multiple sources have reported that at least 30 students in Wuhan have jumped from buildings since September this year. A parent-teacher group in Wuhan revealed on November 22 that a total of 33 students have jumped, with some claiming this number to be a conservative estimate post “National Day” holiday. Many parents expressed shock and horror at these incidents. Class teachers are urging parents to wake up and work together to help children grow up healthily.
According to informed parents, in just the past few months, 9 students have jumped in Jiang’an District alone, including one at Hantie High School, one at Yikang Elementary School, one at a school on Erqi Road, and one at Erzhong (Wuhan Second High School), and others, totaling 9 cases.
On November 18, a male student from Wuhan Foreign Language School jumped from a building, prompting teachers to advise parents to take their children to see a mental health professional to relieve their emotions.
The incident has triggered mourning among the school’s football team players for the student who tragically took his own life. The video of their tribute is still circulating online.
In another case on October 11, a male student in Wuhan Seven-One Middle School posted that a student jumped from their classroom doorway. Another student mentioned that a student from Houhu also jumped.
Public data shows that Wuhan Seven-One Middle School is a nationally advanced institution in promoting quality education, demonstrating exemplary teaching standards for elementary and middle schools in Wuhan.
There have been reports of a 15-year-old student collectively jumping from the second floor of a teaching building. Concerns were raised about the school’s environment, which led to incidents of students feeling pressured to show off by jumping together, leaving teachers flustered.
A teacher from Wuhan disclosed that on October 8 alone, 8 students from primary and middle schools in Wuhan jumped from buildings. This prompted the postponement of midterm exams and instead focused on home visits and parent meetings, with no mention of grades.
A student from Grade 9 in Wuhan confirmed that they have relatives working in a school at Hankou and have also heard of multiple incidents of students jumping.
Amidst these incidents, a call for changes in the education system has been made. The cancellation of exams in various areas of Wuhan or altering them to not disclose results or rankings is seen as a reflection of the students’ plight.
A local educator in Wuhan advocated for reducing the burden on students by eliminating non-essential tasks and activities, urging schools to prioritize the well-being of students.
The alarming rate of student suicides has spurred transformations in some schools in Wuhan. In addition to exam cancellations, some schools have reduced or eliminated weekend assignments and incorporated more interactive parent-child activities.
Parents from a school in Jiang’an District of Wuhan confirmed that students were asked to collect leaves as part of an assignment. Some parents mentioned that no homework was assigned that day by the teachers, while others noted a significant reduction in the workload compared to previous weekends.
Discussions among Wuhan parents have shown a consensus that current educational practices are placing excessive pressure on children, parents, and teachers alike, indicating serious flaws in the system.
A teacher in Wuhan expressed concern about the distorted and intense education system, which is driving both children and parents to the brink of mental and emotional exhaustion.
Reflecting on the societal impact, a parent voiced concerns about the competitive environment that not only affects education but also shapes the future of children who may ultimately succumb to societal norms.
The need for a holistic approach to education that nurtures individual talents and interests, rather than a rigid emphasis on academic performance, was emphasized by another parent who chose to prioritize the well-being and self-discovery of their child.