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Бизнес на насилии: частные школы для «трудных» подростков в Китае | Документальный фильм Би-би-си
Summary
In China, thousands of troubled teenagers are sent to militarized correctional schools annually, where they face severe abuse under the guise of behavioral correction. The increasing prevalence of these institutions reflects a troubling trend prioritizing strict discipline over the well-being of youth.
Parents in China continue to send their children to correctional schools despite numerous scandals, believing these institutions can reform troubled teens. Testimonies reveal a disturbing pattern of psychological and physical abuse, highlighting the urgent need for oversight in the correctional education system.
Correctional schools in China are designed to reform students through strict discipline, often leading to a cult-like atmosphere. Reports indicate a significant gap between the promised behavioral improvements and the reality of severe abuse faced by students.
Anqshu, a transgender woman, reported severe abuse during her time in a correctional school, leading to public outcry and her eventual release. Investigations revealed that 23 students reported similar abuse, highlighting the urgent need for reform in these institutions.
Perspectives
short
Advocates for reform
- Highlight severe abuse faced by students in correctional schools
- Demand accountability and oversight for these institutions
- Expose the psychological trauma inflicted on students
- Call for the closure of abusive correctional facilities
- Document illegal activities and rescue victims
Proponents of correctional schools
- Claim these schools can reform troubled teens
- Argue strict discipline is necessary for behavioral correction
- Insist that parents are satisfied with the outcomes
- Defend the existence of these institutions despite scandals
- Promote the idea that military-style training is effective
Neutral / Shared
- Acknowledge the existence of numerous scandals surrounding these schools
- Recognize the role of parental desperation in sending children to these institutions
- Note the lack of oversight and accountability in the correctional education system
Metrics
students
100 students a year units
annual enrollment in one school
This number indicates the scale of the issue within a single institution.
I am a minimum of 100 students a year.
population
3 million people units
total number of affected individuals
This highlights the widespread impact of these schools across the country.
30,000 people are 3 million people.
other
10 schools units
number of schools expanded in Hunan
This indicates the scale of the correctional school system in China.
The first school of the school of the Hunan in 2006 was the first to be expanded to a minimum of 10 schools in the four provinces.
other
eight hours
duration of travel to school
This highlights the extreme lengths families go to in sending their children to these institutions.
Ankshu, eight hours away from school, called Shengbo.
requests_for_help
many requests about the help requests
monthly requests for assistance from activists
This indicates a high demand for intervention in abusive correctional facilities.
Every month, she receives many requests about the help.
cost_of_school
$280 USD
cost associated with legal actions against the school
This financial burden reflects the challenges victims face in seeking justice.
We need to send a school of $280 to the court.
revenue
$28,000 USD
tuition paid by a single student
This highlights the significant financial burden placed on families seeking help.
$28,000, then ten students, and two hundred and two million dollars
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
In China, thousands of troubled teenagers are sent to militarized correctional schools annually, where they face severe abuse under the guise of behavioral correction. The increasing prevalence of these institutions reflects a troubling trend prioritizing strict discipline over the well-being of youth.
- In China, thousands of troubled teenagers are sent to militarized correctional schools annually, where they endure severe abuse, exploiting parents desperation for behavioral correction
- These schools claim to reform students by addressing issues like disobedience and gender identity, but they often resort to brutal treatment and psychological manipulation behind closed doors
- Parents are frequently deceived into thinking these institutions will solve their childrens problems, resulting in profound emotional betrayal for the students
- The increasing prevalence of these correctional schools highlights a trend in China favoring strict discipline over youth well-being, as many parents equate education with success
- A military veteran leading one of these schools has significantly expanded his network, raising concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability in this lucrative business
- Survivors are advocating for the closure of these schools, emphasizing the urgent need for reform amid ongoing allegations of abuse
05:00–10:00
Parents in China continue to send their children to correctional schools despite numerous scandals, believing these institutions can reform troubled teens. Testimonies reveal a disturbing pattern of psychological and physical abuse, highlighting the urgent need for oversight in the correctional education system.
- Despite numerous scandals, parents in China continue to send their children to correctional schools, believing these institutions can reform their troubled teens
- Students endure military-style training and indoctrination, which schools claim instills discipline and corrects behavior
- Staff often mislead parents by posing as authorities to facilitate the abduction of children, raising serious ethical concerns about these practices
- Testimonies from students reveal a disturbing pattern of psychological and physical abuse, highlighting the urgent need for oversight in the correctional education system
- The industry remains profitable, with schools like those run by Li Zhen continuing to attract students, prioritizing profit over child welfare
- The case of Enkshu, who was forcibly taken to a school, illustrates the traumatic experiences many youths face, prompting calls for accountability and closure of these institutions
10:00–15:00
Correctional schools in China are designed to reform students through strict discipline, often leading to a cult-like atmosphere. Reports indicate a significant gap between the promised behavioral improvements and the reality of severe abuse faced by students.
- Correctional schools in China promise to reform students into obedient individuals, creating a cult-like atmosphere that convinces parents of their effectiveness
- Parents are assured of behavior improvement within six months, with a three-year return policy if issues persist, leading many to believe in successful rehabilitation
- Surveillance cameras are installed throughout the schools, allowing limited remote monitoring by parents, which raises concerns about transparency and privacy
- Despite claims of no physical punishment, reports reveal that students endure severe corporal punishment, exposing a significant discrepancy between stated policies and actual practices
- Psychologists at these institutions are meant to assist with behavioral issues, but their methods can lead to further abuse without adequate oversight, raising ethical concerns
- Students often face dismissive treatment regarding their identities, which can worsen mental health issues, as seen in the experiences of individuals like Ankshu
15:00–20:00
Anqshu, a transgender woman, reported severe abuse during her time in a correctional school, leading to public outcry and her eventual release. Investigations revealed that 23 students reported similar abuse, highlighting the urgent need for reform in these institutions.
- On July 13, 2024, a friend reported the disappearance of Anqshu, a transgender woman, to the police after receiving no replies to her messages. The police later claimed Anqshu was not being held illegally, showing a video of her in uniform as evidence
- Anqshu described her time in a correctional school as isolating, with no communication with the outside world. She and other students documented their harsh experiences through letters, revealing the intense physical training they endured
- During her stay, Anqshu experienced severe physical and sexual abuse multiple times, reflecting a broader pattern of violence faced by many students. This raises significant concerns about the schools treatment of its students
- The public learned about Anqshus situation when her letters were leaked online, prompting increased pressure on authorities. This outcry led to her release and the subsequent closure of the school
- Investigations uncovered that 23 students reported physical or sexual abuse at the school, with some tragically taking their own lives. This highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform in such institutions
- A social volunteer in Australia began collecting evidence for a lawsuit against the school, indicating a growing movement for justice among victims. This effort underscores the ongoing struggle for survivors to confront their abusers
20:00–25:00
Instructors at correctional schools in China frequently transfer students to evade media scrutiny, undermining accountability for abusive practices. Activists are collaborating to document illegal activities and rescue victims, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
- Instructors frequently move students to different facilities to evade media scrutiny and continue operations without significant changes. This tactic undermines accountability for abusive practices
- Li Zhens use of multiple company names hinders law enforcements ability to track his network. Authorities aim to classify his schools as organized crime to strengthen legal actions against them
- Muzho works with activists to rescue victims from various correctional facilities in China, receiving numerous requests for help each month. This collaboration highlights the widespread nature of the issue
- Activists emphasize the importance of video evidence for future investigations into these schools. They plan to document illegal activities to support victims claims
- A volunteer posing as a parent aims to expose the schools fraudulent practices, including upfront payment demands. This undercover effort seeks to reveal the criminal activities hidden behind a facade of authority
- The volunteers attempt to flee when confronted by individuals posing as police underscores the risks involved. The use of fake police identification to conceal criminal actions raises serious concerns
25:00–30:00
Evidence indicates that correctional schools in China are involved in serious criminal activities, including the abduction of both minors and adults. Despite public scrutiny, these institutions appear to be adapting and continuing their operations under new management.
- Evidence has surfaced showing that schools are not only abducting minors but also adults, with agents impersonating police officers. This highlights the serious criminal activities occurring within these institutions
- A year after her release, a former student named Enkshu discusses the ongoing issues with the schools, expressing skepticism about their closure. She believes that even without their leader, the schools will continue operating under new management
- Journalists posing as education consultants discovered that the network is still active, with plans to register a new business. This indicates that the organization is attempting to evade scrutiny and maintain its operations
- The financial incentives for these schools are substantial, with potential earnings reaching millions of dollars from students. This profit-driven model exploits the vulnerabilities of families seeking help for their troubled children
- The networks reliance on local authorities and community support is crucial for its survival. If they can secure these relationships, they may continue to operate without facing legal repercussions
- Former students are determined to move forward despite their traumatic experiences, indicating a resilience among survivors. Their stories underscore the need for continued advocacy and awareness regarding the abuses in these schools