On Friday the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress voted to adopt the revised law on protection of minors. It'll come into effect on June 1, 2007.

 

The revised law requires teachers and other school staff to respect children and prohibits the use of corporal punishment and humiliation. It also prohibits schools from prolonging study times and increasing the workload of students. They must also ensure pupils get adequate sleep and access to sporting activities.

 

Another objective of the law is to protect children's personal safety. One of its provisions states that if accidents occur during activities organized by schools both on or off campus they must immediately assist the children and report the incident to the authorities.

 

The law also requires people's courts to set up special tribunals to try cases involving under-age offenders. It bans the sale of tobacco, alcohol and pornographic publications to children under 18 and prohibits the opening of Internet bars and dance halls near middle and primary schools.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 30, 2006)