Class suspension amid smog sparks controversy

A cold front has dispersed Beijing's lingering smog on Thursday, but it did not arrive early enough to stop controversy sparked by a school's class suspension.

Going against regulations, the affiliated high school of Peking University suspended classes over the past two days for its junior students due to the smog.

Students were asked to participate in online learning at home and their questions will be answered by teachers via the Internet, said a source from the school who did not wish to be named.

It is the only public school in Beijing to have canceled classes during the past week of smog.

Beijing maintained an orange alert on Wednesday. Orange indicates heavy to serious air pollution (AQI between 200 and 300) alternately for three consecutive days.

Under the alert, children and the elderly are advised to stay indoors while citizens are encouraged to use public transportation. Only in a red pollution alert can schools be suspended.

The lingering smog has shrouded one-seventh of the country's mainland. Sources with Wuning Road Primary School in Shanghai said that children have developed coughs and colds.

Student parent Zhu Kaiwen supported the class suspension in Beijing. "Children have weak immune systems. Poor air quality outside and inside the classroom will pose a risk to their health," Zhu said.

Liu Xinbo, an official with the Guangdong health authorities, agreed. He described it as unreasonable and inhumane to allow students to conduct outdoor activities amid heavy air pollution.

"Besides, if schools are shut, parents do not need to drive their children to class, which could cut vehicle emissions," web user named Xue Xiaolu said.

But others have cast doubt on the validity of the school directors' decision.

Ni Minjing, an official with the Shanghai education authorities, pointed out that whether or not to suspend classes should be decided by the specific conditions of different regions and schools.

He said many parents in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai do not have enough time to look after their children if the class is suspended.

As for schools that continue classes during smoggy days, Ni said they had adopted a spate of measures.

No Shanghai schools have suspended classes, though some have limited their teaching program and strengthened health checks on students.

In Beijing, the routine flag raising ceremony and exercises between second and third class have been suspended.

A teacher at Zhongguancun No. 3 primary school said the flag ceremony was held in the classroom instead. In Beijing Fangcaodi International School, students were stuck inside even for PE.

Zhu Haiyan, deputy of China's top legislative body, pointed out class suspension is not a sustainable solution to escape the pollution.

"Currently, there is no better way for me to protect my child than wearing masks," she complained, adding that more professional advice is needed.

Lan Minbo, professor with the East China University of Science and Technology, said that this school suspension grabbed attention because more Chinese parents were worried about their children's health.

"But easing smog needs concerted efforts of all government departments and more attention to environmental protection in our everyday life," Lan added.