School bullying is a growing problem in China. The education authorities have launched a campaign to curb it.

School bullying is happening more frequently in China. Many students even record and post the incidents online. Professor Zhang Jing has been studying juvenile crime for three decades.

“From the mental aspect, school bullying happens for two reasons: The need to release stress, and the study of violence, from communities, families, movies and computer games. In China particularly, our primary schools lack the education of love, telling students to love animals and other people,” said professor Zhang Jing, School of Law, Beijing University of Technology.

China’s State Council has issued a circular to curb bullying in primary, middle and secondary vocational schools. The campaign will focus on mental health and legal education for students.

But China’s criminal law does not punish minors under 14. And those between 14 and 18 only get light or mitigated punishments.

Professor Zhang says other options are possible.

“I think it’s not necessary to put them in jail. Besides the police deterrence, we can punish them with forced study, restrictions, and even forced work in the community,” Zhang said.

Zhang says the children are innocent, and he lays the blame on their education.

This school anti-bullying campaign lasts until end of this year. But some experts believe it is a tough, long-term task.