Controversial Education Influencer in China Faces Public Backlash for Harsh Disciplinary Methods

In China, a prominent education influencer named Zhao Juying has recently faced significant backlash for her unorthodox and severe disciplinary methods aimed at motivating students. Zhao, who has gained a substantial following on Douyin (China’s TikTok), employs strict, old-school tactics that many consider excessively harsh and outdated.

Zhao's approach involves intense disciplinary actions, such as destroying students' toys with a hammer and using a bamboo cane for physical punishment. These methods are prominently featured in her reality TV-style show, reminiscent of "Supernanny," where she is invited by parents to enforce strict study habits in their homes​​.

In one of her controversial episodes, Zhao visited a junior middle school student in Suzhou and forced him to smash his toy cars and figurines, proclaiming that such distractions hinder academic success. She further punished the student physically for his perceived lack of diligence, under the passive observation of his mother. Zhao justified her actions by claiming that failure to excel academically would result in a bleak future without opportunities for higher education or desirable social connections​​.

Despite her significant following—over 400,000 on Douyin—Zhao's recent episodes have sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms like Weibo. Critics argue that her methods border on child abuse and reflect an outdated mentality that prioritizes academic achievement over children's well-being. This mentality, deeply rooted in past decades, emphasized "good grades, good life" and often involved severe measures to ensure academic success​.

China's evolving educational landscape increasingly moving away from such extreme measures. Recent policies aim to alleviate the immense pressure on students, addressing the growing prevalence of anxiety and mental health issues among young learners. The revised Law on the Protection of Minors, enacted in 2020, explicitly prohibits violence against children in educational settings, making Zhao’s methods not only controversial but potentially illegal.

Many parents and educators have expressed their concerns, labeling Zhao's tactics as more harmful than helpful. They argue that suppressing children's interests and using violence as a motivational tool is counterproductive, often leading to rebellion rather than improved academic performance. Education experts emphasize the importance of nurturing a child’s potential rather than imposing strict controls that stifle their individuality and creativity​​.

Additionally, doubts about Zhao's credentials have surfaced. While she claims to be a certified lecturer from the Positive Discipline Association, there is no verification of her certification available online. Reports suggest that Zhao retired from a teaching position in a local elementary school in Gansu province in 2023, but this has not mitigated public skepticism regarding her qualifications and methods​​.

The controversy surrounding Zhao Juying highlights a broader debate on the best approaches to education in China. As the nation seeks to balance academic excellence with the mental and emotional well-being of its students, Zhao’s extreme methods serve as a reminder of the need for compassionate and effective educational practices that respect children's rights and developmental needs.