Beijing Authorities Prioritize Students' Health Over Homework During Respiratory Tract Disease Outbreak
In a move to prioritize the health and safety of students, Beijing authorities have emphasized that homework is not mandatory for students who fall sick during periods when there's an outbreak of respiratory tract infectious diseases. This decision comes as a response to the rising number of children infected with respiratory tract diseases in Beijing, particularly influenza A and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
28 November 2023
On November 25th, WeChat official account Capital Education published an article stressing the importance of focusing on children's health. The post sparked heated discussions among netizens on social media platforms like Weibo. Commenters expressed their support for the decision and highlighted the irony of mandatory homework during a period of respiratory tract disease outbreaks.
One Weibo user shared an anecdote about an ambulance bringing in a 4-month-old baby at midnight, with an elderly person begging the nurse to see the doctor first. This story highlighted the urgency of protecting children's health and wellbeing.
Some netizens criticized the pressure that students face, with comments like "I honestly feel that some students these days are even harder than working people" and "Isn't it that parents and schools should put children's physical health first?" These remarks reflect a general sentiment of concern for the wellbeing of children and the need for balance between academic achievement and health.
On a related note, another post discussed the importance of maintaining a strong immune system to prevent illness. The article provided tips on enhancing immunity, such as consuming certain foods and maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. This was met with positive responses from netizens who shared their own experiences with poor immunity and the value of maintaining good health.
However, not all Weibo users applauded the decision to prioritize children's health. Some expressed concern over potential academic fallback due to missing school time. Others criticized what they perceived as a lack of accountability from educational institutions and authorities.
The Beijing CPC Committee of the Student Union and the Beijing Education Bureau have since reassured that they will take all necessary measures to ensure students' health and safety, while also acknowledging the importance of education. The announcement came as a relief to parents and guardians who feared for their children's wellbeing amidst the rise in respiratory tract disease cases.
In conclusion, the recent emphasis on children's health underscores the need for balance between academics and physical wellness. It is a reminder that while education is crucial, it should not come at the expense of students' health and safety. The Beijing authorities' decision to prioritize children's health during periods of respiratory tract disease outbreaks has received mixed reactions from netizens, ranging from support to concerns over academic fallback. As the number of infected children continues to rise, it is evident that ensuring their health and safety will be a challenging task but an essential one for the wellbeing of Beijing's youth.