A parent picks up his child in Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan Province in heavy rain on July 2, 2021. Photo: CFP

The introduction of a set of new rules in Zhengzhou, capital city of Central China's Henan Province, which requires the evaluation criteria of students in schools to be linked to the misbehaviors by their parents has sparked heated debate among citizens and netizens.

The document, issued by the Zhengzhou Municipal People's Government on November 26, aims to safeguard the safety of students on the road, but one of its provisions has sparked controversy. The controversial provision states that if parents commit traffic violations on the road in front of the school while picking up or dropping off their children, it will affect the students' merit awards at the school.

Officials explained that they hope the provision can force parents to comply with traffic rules to ensure the safety of children to and from school.

However, many citizens and netizens said the clause is not in line with legal and emotional reasoning. Many media outlets also published articles urging Zhengzhou to rethink the provision.

Global Times