OPINION> FROM THE CHINESE PRESS
Every child needs childhood
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-04 08:08

A recent survey conducted in Guangzhou and Foshan shows that children nowadays suffer from a lot of academic stress. It is high time we relieved kids of the pressure, which they should not have to bear at their age, says an article in Nanfang Daily. Excerpts:

It is reported by Southern Metropolis Daily that just before this Children's Day, a survey about the pressures on children in kindergarten and primary school in Guangzhou and Foshan showed that the biggest fear haunting kids is poor performance in school.

The questionnaire has listed 12 common activities and occurrences on the campus to probe their emotional reaction toward these. The three biggest fears of the children are low grades, punishment by teachers and examinations.

The two things that make children feel nervous more than anything else are: Examinations and criticism by teachers. The fear and tension caused by studies are the single biggest pressure on kids.

Nowadays, admittedly, everyone is facing pressure for diverse reasons. However, the survey on the pressures facing children indicates that our kids suffer far too much stress as a result of academic work.

In society, "success" is the sole criterion for judging a person. It is common scene to find adults forever busy pursuing success in their respective endeavors. Children observe this and conclude that they cannot avoid this social trend as they grow up if they are to be successful in future.

In fact, pressure on children comes from their parents. They worry more about their children's scores than the students themselves. From the very early years, parents are so fearful of their children lagging behind that they place excessive emphasis on studies. This makes life extremely stressful for the children.

Reducing parental, academic and other avoidable pressures on kids may be the best gift for them on Children's Day.

(China Daily 06/04/2009 page8)