Spare the rod and spoil the child? Some parents, teachers and institutions still believe in that saying when it comes to discipline. But how much is too much? Recently, some specialized schools meant to guide badly-behaved youths back on the right track have come under fire for their questionable methods. Chuck Tinte has more.

 

It is billed as a vocational education center, using a philosophy some believe could give "teenagers in crisis" a chance at a better life.

 

Turns out that Yuzhang Academy, a private education institute in east China's Jiangxi province, is beating students instead of teaching them.

 

Beating with iron rulers. Whipping with thick steel cables. And lockups in tiny window-less cells for up to a week.

 

STUDENT YUZHANG ACADEMY "When I first got here, people pushed me into a tiny window-less cell, and made me do self-reflection. They took away my shoes, jewelry, phone, and bra. I was first locked in here for three days."

 

The cell only measures about seven to eight square meters, is window-less, and only a gas vent. Such shocking torture methods and corporal punishment are not unheard of here. Back in 2006, a similar clinic in east China's Shandong province made headlines, when their electroshock therapy used to "cure" internet-addicted" teens came to light. Parents who sent children there said that place was their last hope.

 

Now as Yuzhang Academy received widespread media attention, it was thrust into the public eye, and came under government scrutiny.

 

ZHOU CENMIN SECTION CHIEF, NANCHANG EDUCATION BUREAU "After receiving the school's request to close, we responded and agreed to shut it down. The school will not hire any more, and will have to deal with their teaching arrangements, disperse students, and clean up the property at the given time."

 

The State Council provision says "no organizations or individuals can treat internet addiction using illegal methods that infringe on personal rights, including physical abuse."

 

And in the case of badly behaved youths, there are definitely methods better than corporal punishments to get them on the right track. Chuck Tinte, CGTN.