Let court decide student’s murder case

Safety problem must not be exaggerated

Many parents whose children are studying abroad might have spent sleepless nights after this case came to light. The media therefore should not aggravate their dilemma by exaggerating the safety problems of youths studying abroad, by citing this isolated case.

And since about 540,000 Chinese youths are studying abroad, some similar cases or accidents could happen. Accidents cannot be predicted no matter where a person is studying, but he or she could learn how not to fall in trouble and be prepared to deal with emergencies both physically and mentally.

Still, few parents or youths try to understand the real meaning of being “fully prepared”. For instance, if a youth already shows signs of depressive disorder he or she should not be sent abroad for studies, because even the minutest of problem or a little difficulty could trigger a mental breakdown. Instead, the youth should undergo a mental health tests and, if need be, seek professional help.

Chen Zhiwen, editor-in-chief of China Education Online