Call the police or heroically fight a criminal suspect single-handed?

That is the dilemma that seems to face every child in China.

For five decades, Chinese students have been taught to fight street crimes or rush into a fire to save others, so they can become a hero, with the spirit of selflessness being promoted to the nation's children

However, a debate on how a child should behave when faced with danger escalated sharply over the past couple of days nationwide.

A late juvenile hero triggered the debate recently.

Lai Ning (1974-1988), a native of southwest China's Sichuan Province, died during his effort to put out a forest fire when he was only 14 years old.

In November 1988, Lai was named a "revolutionary martyr'' and rose to prominence as an example for others to follow.

Juveniles are physically weaker than adults, but when faced with a crime, should we encourage children to do what is right even when they are exposed to extreme danger or just ask them not to be so brave?

It has been widely rumored recently that portraits of Lai, which originally hung on the walls of primary and middle schools, are being removed.

Earlier last year, the clause encouraging juveniles to put themselves forward for a just cause was also deleted from behavior criteria for primary and middle school students.

Sun Hongyan, deputy director of the Beijing-based Research Institute for Children, said the Beijing municipal government revised the criteria out of consideration that minors are not only the treasured offspring of their parents, but also the priceless wealth of a country, and they are entitled to protection and the right to grow up healthy.

"And we are still hesitating whether to draw up a law ordering compensation or a prize for those who show bravery in dangerous situations, since we fear that it would encourage juveniles to take risks,'' the official added.

(China Daily January 16, 2004)