Chinese training camp sparks controversy over harsh swimming teaching methods

Leaked footage from the camp shows a coach pushing an 11-year-old boy's head underwater while the child tries to swim with his hands tied behind his back.

The instructor shouted “faster, faster” as the boy treaded water. The grueling swimming lesson was part of the curriculum at the military-style training camp called Chuang Shi Mo Xun.

Screenshot of controversial swimming teaching video: SCMP

According to the camp director, many children are afraid of being in water, and the child in the video appears to be “a bit shy.” The training is aimed at helping the boy overcome a “psychological barrier” and learn to swim.

Other activities at the camp include daily morning jogs, laundry lessons, and lectures on how to show gratitude to parents.

"Parents send their children to this camp to foster strong character, willpower and good living habits," said the director.

He added that the safety of children was guaranteed. "The pool water is 90cm deep, only reaching the waist when standing up, preventing the risk of drowning or suffocation. Our pool is disinfected and filled with clean water of clear origin."

All training sessions are live-streamed for parents to watch. The director added that some parents specifically send their children to his training camps because they are afraid of water.

The controversial video was filmed in the summer of 2023. The summer camp has been held annually since 2018, attracting 500-600 children each year to participate in training programs. The cost of the summer camp ranges from 2,000 to 7,000 yuan, depending on the length of stay.

However, Chinese psychotherapist Ma Li has warned that such methods can leave psychological damage to children. "If children are not able to withstand stress, this approach will not foster resilience and may even be counterproductive and cause negative effects," Ma said.

Military-style training camps for children are popular in China. They aim to instill discipline, teamwork and physical fitness in children. Photo: GI

Similar military-style training schools for children are popular in China. An ad for a similar training camp reads: "Is your child addicted to his cell phone, easily distracted, unwilling to study, and disrespectful to his elders? Come here, we will help your child become more independent and grateful."

Hoai Phuong (according to SCMP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trai-huan-luyen-o-trung-quoc-gay-tranh-cai-vi-cach-day-boi-khac-nghiep-post301926.html