An 11-Year-Old Spends 14 Hours on Homework and Ends Up in Hospital
An 11-year-old in Changsha spent 14 hours straight on homework, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., before a health scare forced him to seek help. Lianglian began to show uncontrollable rapid breathing, dizziness, headaches, and numbness in his limbs. His parents, who had been watching him all day, panicked and rushed him to a local hospital. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed “respiratory problems due to hyperventilation,” linked to emotional stress from constant parental demands to keep studying. In August, authorities officially recorded 30 cases like this across China, a stark reminder of the pressure facing many students.
In This Article:
What Happened: The Medical Emergency Fueled by Homework Pressure
The incident unfolded in Changsha after a long day of study. The parents rushed him to hospital. Doctors said the symptoms—rapid breathing, dizziness, headaches—were due to hyperventilation caused by emotional stress. The underlying cause, according to the report, was relentless parental pressure to keep him working on homework for extended hours.
A Broader Pattern: Hospitalizations Rising Among Young Students
Health workers say hospitalizations for study-related stress are rising among younger students. Analysts point to China’s obsession with academic achievement and the gaokao—the national exam that largely determines a person’s future. Children begin feeling pressure early, as families compare them with peers and push them to excel, shaping their daily lives and goals.
School Culture and Restrictions: Bans on Relationships to Keep Children Focused
The article notes that some Chinese schools officially forbid dating for young people to prevent distractions from exams. Critics warn that this can hinder healthy social development and leave students unprepared for relationships later in life. The piece also notes falling marriage rates in China and draws a comparison to Japan, where many under 25 have little romantic experience. Together, these dynamics illustrate how cultural norms around education and romance shape the lives of young people.
What Now? Policy Lags Behind Pressures
China has tried to curb the problem by banning tutors for primary school and limiting heavy homework. However, the problem persists because parents can still push children to study for long hours at home, even on weekends. What is the solution? The article closes by asking readers to share their opinions and perspectives on what could help. If you have experiences or thoughts about education systems and family expectations, share them.
