An eastern Chinese special education school has become a center of controversy after it introduced an innovative lesson for teenagers that involves carrying baby dolls around the whole day. The special education school in Jiangsu province allegedly employs the technique in order to make the students more empathic and responsible individuals. On one hand, the technique looks harmless, yet the Internet reaction towards the issue shows that there is much more behind it than meets the eye. While some people regard it as an interesting and even innovative method to teach the students, others believe that it goes too far. The controversial exercise with dolls still evokes mixed feelings among both educators and parents. On the one hand, it can be considered an effective tool that teaches children responsibility. However, on the other hand, it brings to light numerous issues concerning the boundaries between education and emotional intelligence.
Chinese school introduces baby doll ‘gratitude education ’ for rebellious teens in Xuzhou
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the school at the centre of the discussion is Yuanzhong Special Education School in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province. It accepts teenagers who are described as rebellious or struggling with behavioural issues. Many of these students reportedly face challenges such as gaming addiction, lack of motivation, or difficulties in family relationships.To address these issues, the school introduced what it calls gratitude education. Students are given baby dolls and instructed to care for them throughout the day. This includes carrying them during lessons, feeding them, and even holding them during meals. Some dolls reportedly weigh around 2.5 kilograms, making the exercise physically demanding for the students.Teachers at the school appear to believe that this kind of simulation helps students understand the struggles of parenting. One teacher reportedly explained that students can only understand their parents once they experience the responsibility of caring for a child, even if it is just a doll.
Baby doll parenting exercise at Xuzhou school sparks attention
The activity is designed to mirror the demands of real parenting. Students are expected to treat the dolls as real babies. They must keep them close, respond to their needs, and maintain constant attention throughout the school day.Some videos circulating on Chinese social media show students walking slowly while holding the dolls or supporting them during movement exercises. In one case, students were seen squatting and carefully adjusting their posture to keep the dolls secure. These scenes have attracted significant attention online.One student reportedly said that walking while carrying the doll made their legs feel numb after a short distance. They added that the experience helped them understand how physically demanding parenting can be. The school principal, known by the surname Du, has defended the programme. He reportedly said the goal is to help students appreciate their parents’ efforts and develop a more respectful attitude towards family life.
Mixed reactions to baby doll parenting programme at Xuzhou special school
Public reaction to the programme has been sharply divided. Some social media users in China have supported the idea, saying it may help teenagers develop patience and emotional awareness. They believe the exercise could encourage students to think more carefully about responsibility and family relationships.Others have raised concerns. Some commenters feel that the approach is too artificial and may not truly reflect real parenting. A few have even suggested that forcing such experiences could have unintended emotional effects on young people. One online remark pointed out that real babies cry and demand constant care, which dolls cannot replicate, making the exercise somewhat unrealistic.There is also the question whether the approach affects how the young people will think about having their own children in the future. There is an assumption that, rather than nurturing empathy, this practice might induce negative associations with parenthood.
Strict discipline and emotional training in China’s special education schools
China’s special education schools have been known to grab headlines due to rigorous or bizarre educational approaches. The special education schools are mostly associated with behavior management techniques.Yuanzhong Special Education School appears to adopt an equivalent approach but explains it as emotional and moral education. The cost of enrolling a child in such special schools is expensive, and the parents expect a behavioral change from the child after attending school.According to experts, empathy involves intricate elements and cannot be learned through simulation only. Although some pupils might learn through practical engagement, others may not react to it. Emotional learning occurs gradually through personal experience and relationships.
