BEIJING — The Ministry of Education started soliciting public opinions on Nov 22 on a regulation that defines primary and middle school teachers' rights in punishing and disciplining their students while obligating teaching duties.

The regulation prohibits punishments that directly cause physical pain to students, such as hitting and poking with sharp objects, and punishments that violate students' dignity, such as insults and discriminatory or insulting words and acts.

It lists punishments allowed to be taken by teachers in three categories based on the level of severity of the offense, including naming and shaming, forced standing that lasts no longer than one class session, and suspension of class for no longer than one week.

It also asks schools to draft their own regulations and disciplines accordingly to clarify the rules for teachers in taking disciplinary measures toward their students.

The public can submit their opinions on the regulation through the website www.chinalaw.gov.cn, and via post or email before Dec 22, 2019.