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The school sparked outrage after parents were forced to kneel and form a ‘human bridge’, allowing students to walk over them during a controversial ‘guilt teaching’ activity.
The incident sparked controversy and led to an official investigation. (representational image)
A school in central China’s Henan province has faced widespread criticism after forcing parents to kneel on the ground to form a “human bridge,” allowing students to walk across their backs during an activity called “guilt teaching.” The exercise was intended to teach students to appreciate their parents’ sacrifices, but instead sparked anger and disbelief on social media.
A video clip from the event shows blindfolded students walking slowly while emotional music plays in the background. One of the hosts can be heard saying: “Come on,” encouraging the students to get their act together. The students, most of whom were 16-year-olds who had recently joined the school, reportedly had no idea that their parents were part of the bridge.
The students are in tears after realizing the truth
According to one student posted online, the participants were unaware of what was happening. “After removing the blindfold, a young woman realized that she was trampling on her parents and immediately burst into tears,” the student wrote, quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Another graduate said similar “guilt education” exercises had been conducted before, where male students were made to lie on the floor.
The revelation sparked a national debate about China’s extreme teaching methods and their psychological impact on children.
Mixed reactions to the controversial exercise
While many condemned the event as “humiliating” and “manipulative,” some defended the school, saying the goal was to teach students empathy.
“The intent behind this method is good. The girl’s tears appear to have a strong emotional impact on children,” one person wrote online, according to SCMP.
Another added: “Children will understand their parents’ sacrifices better and show more respect by studying hard.”
But others strongly opposed the idea. “This ‘human bridge’ ceremony not only damages family ties but also instills harmful guilt in the minds of students,” one critic reportedly wrote.
Another said: “Education should not be about emotional manipulation. Trampling on others should not be used to morally pressure children.”
School issues apology, investigation ongoing
Following the backlash, the school issued a public apology on October 7. “This activity was spontaneously organized by two classes with parental consent, but its improper implementation led to misunderstanding from many netizens, for which we apologize,” the statement read.
The school added that it will reconsider teaching methods and focus more on students’ mental health.
The local education office confirmed that it had received complaints and opened an investigation into the incident. Officials confirmed that they will take the necessary measures to ensure that similar events do not occur again in the future.
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Delhi, India, India
13 October 2025, 5:16 PM IST
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