Waiver ineffective against student suicides

Psychologists and education experts are calling universities in China to pay more attention to the mental health of students. This comes after several universities imposed a suicide waiver on freshmen to avoid responsibility. Experts say such an agreement does more harm than good.

Zhang Kuan says his fellow student couldn't take it anymore.

She was under all kinds of pressure.

Zhang said, "She hung herself. She was in her senior year. Maybe she couldn't find a job or maybe she just broke up with her boyfriend. Perhaps she was too weak."

An irresponsible act, Zhang says, but a typical suicide case amongst China's university students.

The reason why universities impose a suicide waiver on freshmen.

The latest include the City College of Dongguan University of Technology

5,000 incoming students signed the agreement without much choice.

Psychologist Chen Xuefeng said, "I doubt it really works. In fact, I'm concerned this waiver would make the matter worse. When the students come into the university they cannot feel the school cares for them and schools just shirk their responsibility away."

Universities say it's a way to guarantee good student conduct and that they won't hurt themselves.

Outcry amongst parents and their counterparts in Beijing.

Student said, "This is unreasonable. It cannot be forced onto students. They cannot take their responsibility away."

Student said,"The school should pay attention to the mental health of students."

Legal consultant Wang Jianguo also disagrees with the move.

Wang said, "The school cannot get rid of its responsibility with this sort of agreement. If there's evidence to prove any wrongdoing, it is still responsible."

Wang says such an agreement is not a solution to the emotional issues students face.

Proper counseling could give them a more positive outlook on life.