Differences in approach overseas

In Australia, many primary and high schools are single sex, and they promote different qualities for boys and girls. For example, some of the key areas for boys include intensifying the study of literacy and helping them to remain focused.

"The education offered doesn't emphasize that a certain type of masculinity is characteristic of boys. The schools respect diversity," said Hu Fang, a journalist with China National Radio, who is based in Australia.

By contrast, Russian boys are educated with the clear objective of fostering masculinity. "One indispensable part of school education for boys involves intensive physical training. Another is to tell them to pursue a sense of honor by learning about national honor and the honor of being a member of a team. Those things will help to teach them that they must become heroes like their forefathers," said Zhang Shunheng, who has lived in Russia for more than a decade.