A secondary school in Jingzhou, Hubei Province has sparked public debate after it was reported that students were instructed not to bring backpacks to school and instead use transparent plastic bags to carry their learning materials, with non-compliant items subject to temporary confiscation.
According to local media reports, parents of students at Songzi No. 4 Middle School shared an official notice online stating that day students were prohibited from carrying school bags into campus and must use clear plastic bags for inspection purposes.
The notice further stated that any backpacks brought to school would be labelled with students’ names and classes, temporarily held by the school, and returned after dismissal, with parents urged to ensure compliance.
The policy quickly triggered widespread criticism online, with many questioning its practicality and arguing that transparent bags are inconvenient and unable to properly hold students’ belongings.
In response, local education authorities initially said the measure was intended to prevent safety risks, citing concerns that some students had previously brought prohibited items such as knives onto campus.
Officials also noted that the school had limited security manpower and that transparent bags would make inspections more efficient while allowing other items to be stored at school if needed.
However, the Jingzhou education bureau later issued a separate statement confirming it had ordered the school to immediately rectify the policy and carry out corrective measures after receiving public complaints.
The bureau added that it would strengthen oversight of school safety management while encouraging more refined and student-friendly administrative practices moving forward.
