A Chinese school is asking students to sign a ‘Suicide Disclaimer’ and take responsibility for their actions

Last update:January 13, 2025, 1:29 pm EST

Authorities stepped into the case after school dismissals for forcing students to sign a letter freeing them from any charges should students try to commit suicide or harm themselves

The school first talked to students about how life was valued, then asked them to sign a letter that freed them from responsibility for their children’s actions. (Representative/Shutterstock)

A Chinese high school has come under criticism for forcing students to sign a letter saying that if they attempt self-harm or suicide, the institution will not be blamed for their actions.

Shuizhai High School, located in Wuhua County in southern Guangdong Province, took this step, which sparked people’s anger.

News about the school was widely shared on a social media platform after authorities were informed by a parent, the Yangcheng Evening News reported.

According to the report, in December the local Ministry of Education launched an investigation under pressure from citizens.

The school discusses a valued life and then asks students to sign a suicide declaration

The investigation found that on December 23, all classes discussed nurturing life.

After the discussion, all students were asked to sign a suicide declaration that contained “inappropriate content,” the department said.

“I promise: I will always value and respect life. I will never give up on my life for any reason. Instead, I will continue to fight and work hard with an optimistic attitude,” we read in the cover letter.

“If I commit an act of self-harm or suicide, it has nothing to do with school. “I, my parents or my guardians will not claim any loss or seek any compensation from the school or school staff, nor will we disrupt school teaching,” he added.

The authorities asked the school to withdraw the letter and rescind the commitment referred to in the letter.

The authorities asked the school management to explain the incident to the students and their parents.

“In the future, we plan to urge all schools in the region to improve psychological teaching methods and pay attention to the mental well-being of students,” the education department said.

The school faced backlash for forcing students to sign the letter.

“This school has crossed all moral boundaries. His actions exceed my imagination,” wrote an Internet user.

“This type of promise letter should absolutely be canceled. Otherwise there would be no humanity at school. Schools should prevent tragedies like self-harm and suicide rather than relying on a list of promises to evade responsibility,” another commented.