Envy influencing teens' actions

It was shocking to read reports that said a 13-year-old girl has been detained for three-year reeducation for killing a classmate just because the latter was more "beautiful". The case should prompt us to seek answers to such questions as what social causes could lead to such a crime and how we could prevent similar tragedies, says an article in Qianjiang Evening News. Excerpts:

Students, both girls and boys, could become jealous of classmates who are "better looking", have a better school record and/or are favored by teachers. But when jealousy gets out of control, it could lead to tragedy. Therefore, students have to learn to control and manage their feelings, and teachers (and parents) should help them do so. But under the pressure of the exam-oriented education system, many schools cannot earmark special classes for children's psychological development.

Good, all-round education can help students to keep their envy and anger under check, but unfortunately most of today's students are deprived of that opportunity. The concept of competition (in all fields) is driven so deep in some children by their parents and teachers that they become prone to taking illogical steps to succeed.

From the poisoning case in Shanghai's Fudan University to the latest case of the 13-year-old girl, the criminal motive can be attributed to vicious competition. A society which believes in competition without cooperation cannot function ideally.

(China Daily 05/10/2013 page9)