Tragic Incidents of Suicide Among Chinese University Students Spark National Outrage Over Bullying
The recent exposure of students jumping into a river at Jiamusi University in Heilongjiang has sparked widespread concern and outrage among Chinese netizens on Weibo, a popular social media platform in China. The incident involves a female student who committed suicide by jumping into the Songhua River near her university campus. The cause of her tragic end is reported to be bullying from her roommates.
15 November 2023
According to chat records shared by an immediate family member, the victim had been subjected to bullying and isolation from her peers at the university. The student's discussions with other students revealed a profound sense of hopelessness and disillusionment towards life in general and campus politics specifically. She advised others to learn how to be independent and not to trust anyone completely, as the world can be cruel and unpredictable.
Following these events, another incident surfaced where a junior at Jiaxing University allegedly committed suicide due to online bullying and hazing. The family members of this victim have agreed with the university on an undisclosed settlement. These incidents have prompted a public welfare short film titled 'Truth' aimed at raising awareness about school campus bullying and providing psychological counseling and legal consultation services to those affected.
The response from Weibo netizens has been overwhelming, with many expressing shock and sadness over the incidents. Some comments highlighted the harsh realities of life in Chinese universities and the need for greater awareness about mental health and psychological education.
"The poor child must learn the jungle law first, then read the sage's book," said one netizen, reflecting on the challenges students face in navigating university life and the competitive job market. "Promotions and raises depend on connections and backgrounds, and advancement requires gifts and flattery."
Another netizen shared a personal experience of isolation during his youth, saying that he too had faced similar struggles but emerged stronger from them. "A friend in need is a friend indeed," he said, emphasizing the importance of empathy and support among peers.
In Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, another incident surfaced where a netizen claimed his sister was slapped by multiple girls at Xiangshui Specialty School. The students involved in the assault were all under 16 years old, making them exempt from legal punishment. This has raised concerns about the lack of regulation and accountability in schools when it comes to bullying incidents.
Many Weibo users expressed concern over the psychological trauma caused by such incidents in schools and emphas