The case of a female teacher committing suicide after murdering three children in northwestern China's Gansu Province has woken up public concern about teachers' mental health problems.

 

Citing a survey conducted last year, more than 50 percent of the country's primary and middle school teachers are psychologically ill, much higher than the rate among ordinary people.

 

Beijing Youth Daily reports that heavy work pressures, especially pressures regarding students' entrance exams, are the main culprit.

 

The paper calls for paying more social attention to the mental health of educators than the exam performance of students.

 

It says offering teachers professional psychological consultations to lighten mental burdens is a practical means. However, it emphasizes educational system reforms are essential to eventually solve all problems.

 

(CRI March 7, 2007)