Chinese School's 'Invasive' Homework Demanding Financial Details Courts Controversy

A Chinese mother was taken aback when her child’s school assigned homework that delved into the family’s financial details, flaring viral outrage on social media, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Hailing from Guangdong province in southern China, the mother disclosed that her primary school-aged child was tasked with providing the family’s monthly income and expenses. The homework sought information such as the father’s income, mother’s income, food and daily necessities spending, as well as details on house and car loans. Expressing her bewilderment in a video, she queried, “I am curious, is it homework or a family background investigation?”

Despite the school’s intention to educate children about the value of money and appreciation for parental efforts, the mother remained unconvinced. She stated in the viral video, “I am still very confused about the meaning of this kind of homework.” The video garnered 3 million views and generated thousands of comments.

Netizens weighed in on the matter, with one user questioning if the school would treat students differently based on their parents’ income levels. Another user expressed concern that students might face criticism if they did not provide accurate financial information. However, a third user commended the mother’s courage, stating, “Most parents dare not speak out against this kind of abnormal homework. This parent is brave.” A purported teacher reassured the parent, stating that teachers do not consider parents’ incomes, while another user facetiously suggested inflating the figures, as teachers would not take them seriously.

The incident highlights the debate over the appropriateness of schools delving into personal financial matters under the guise of educational objectives. While some defend the initiative as a means to instil financial literacy, others criticise it as intrusive and potentially discriminatory. The widespread attention garnered by the mother’s complaint underscores the significance of parental involvement and scrutiny in education policies and practices.