From the Chinese Press

Preschool teachers an ignored lot

A kindergarten teacher in Shaanxi province recently burned 10 children with heated tongs because she was "emotionally disturbed", adding another violent example to scandals in preschools. Of course, the teacher should be called to account for her deed. But the authorities would do better to investigate the pressure she was under than merely subject her to moral condemnation, says an article in Beijing Times. Excerpts:

Most children in kindergartens are by nature curious and lack self-control. Teachers have to not only teach the tiny tots, but also take care of their other needs and maintain order in class. Since some children are naughty and some others stubborn, they can make life very difficult for teachers. In such pressing circumstances, a teacher can lose his/her temper.