Teacher filmed slapping over 20 students in the face on first day of school

The Chinese language can be difficult to master, and most people can recall times when they had to memorise countless words and phrases over years of learning.

On the first day of school in China last Friday (Sept 1), the cheeks of some students in a secondary school in Hefei burned with pain and humiliation.

Unable to fully recite ancient poems in class, they were slapped repeatedly in the face by their angry language teacher.

In a video clip that was posted on Chinese social media on Monday (Sept 4), the students were seen lining up before the man and waiting for their turn to receive their punishment.

The school principal told local media that over 20 students were involved in the incident and the teacher has since been suspended from his duties.

This incident sparked heated debate on Weibo, with many netizens questioning the teacher's professionalism while others asked why the man was not sacked from his job.

One said: "As a teacher, he should cultivate himself before educating others."

Others commented that the punishment was uncalled for.

Most found the practice of slapping the back of the hand with a ruler - which is rather common in the classroom - an acceptable punishment, but they drew the line at slaps in the face and said the act shamed students.

There were also a few others who defended the teacher's behaviour, saying that they should be grateful to have a responsible teacher who holds high expectations of his students.

Do you think this teacher has gone overboard with his actions?

minlee@sph.com.sg