Chinese lawmakers are reviewing a draft family education law this week, which aims to promote the role of families in the early education of children. Another goal is to provide support for parents and guardians to perform their duties properly.

The Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, will hold sessions from Tuesday to Friday to review a dozen of draft laws. Among them is the family education law. Lawmakers will review its third draft.

They've noted that some Chinese parents either put too much academic pressure on their children or worry about their indulgence in online activities. The proposed changes in the law aim to help reduce anxieties.

"The draft clarifies that parents should properly arrange time for studies, rest, entertainment and physical exercises for minors to avoid additional academic pressure and to prevent internet addiction. Governments above county levels shall take measures to ease the burden on students from excessive homework and off-campus tutoring. Schools and families shall have smooth communication channels to cooperate in students' education," said Zang Tiewei, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of NPC Standing Committee.

The draft also clarifies that the country and the society should assist parents or other guardians in family education from various aspects, Zang added.

The draft tries to protect minors from physical and other forms of abuse within their families as well. Parents and guardians may be admonished if juveniles commit crimes.

"With regard to legal responsibilities, the draft stipulates that parents or other guardians shall shoulder legal consequences if they refuse or don't properly perform family education duties. It also says that the police, procuratorate and court can admonish parents or guardians for misconduct or crimes committed by their minors, and order them to receive family education instructions", the spokesperson added.

The draft law proposes that institutions offering family education services to parents shall not make profits. It also says authorities in education, civil affairs, health, and the market should regulate these organizations.

The NPC will also review a draft law against telecommunication fraud and amendments to the anti-monopoly law this week.

(Cover: Zang Tiewei, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of China's National People's Congress at a press conference in Beijing, Octorber 18 2021. /China Media Group）