china's myopia epidemic
The pressure Chinese children face to pursue academic excellence is a growing concern. From the culture of comparison to strict "tiger parenting", many children spend a significant portion of their childhood immersed in their studies. In order to secure prestigious spots in colleges, children often need to attend high quality high schools, middles schools, and even primary schools. This competitive system has influenced parents to enroll their children in cram schools, often held after school or on weekends. As a result, academics take precedence over other activities, reducing outdoor time and increasing near-work tasks such as reading and writing.
China's educational system is notoriously involuted. With academic success deeply ingrained in culture, most students achieve high grades, increasing the standard for excellence and intensifying competition among their peers.
The focus around academic excellence has contributed to China having the highest myopia rates in the world. Studies show that 80-90% of students who are completing a 12 year education are myopic, with 10-20% experiencing high myopia. With students buried in textbooks and cram schools filling their weekends, the only test they fail is their vision test.
slightly more serious and educational post, just wanted to share my thoughts and experience with the chinese education system even if no one reads because I know it isn't the most entertaining or relatable topic. :)
source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9358211/