Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People’s Court (SPC), delivered a lecture on fostering rule-of-law awareness among adolescents at Beijing No 2 High School on Sept 7. He is vice-principal of legal education at the school.

Focusing on the importance of healthy growth of minors, Zhang explained, through real-life examples, how young people can properly handle common problems and challenges during adolescence and strengthen their awareness of laws and rules.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People’s Court and vice-principle of legal education at Beijing No 2 High School, delivers a lecture on fostering rule-of-law awareness among adolescents on Sept 7.  [Photo/court.gov.cn] 

Zhang noted that adolescents naturally seek respect, recognition, friendship, and a sense of belonging, but these needs should be pursued within the framework of laws and rules. He cautioned that being overly concerned with “saving face” can lead to embarrassment and setbacks. He maintained that respect and dignity should be built on lawfulness, integrity, and responsibility rather than impulsive actions or pretension. He encouraged the students to face their shortcomings, improve themselves, and grow through self-reflection.

Zhang also warned against seeking attention at any cost. While it is natural for adolescents to want to be noticed, inappropriate, risky, or unlawful ways of attracting attention can have the opposite effect. He called on the students to earn recognition through good character, emotional stability, responsible conduct, and meaningful contributions to society.

Zhang cautioned students against blindly showing loyalty to friends. Friendship has boundaries, and loyalty should not come at the expense of principles. He urged students to distinguish right from wrong, think independently, make calm judgments, and have the courage to say no. If a friend is about to commit an unlawful act, they should try to talk them out of it, and, when necessary, seek help from teachers, parents or the police. He stressed that having the courage to refuse is a sign of inner strength and maturity.

Zhang also warned against mistaking aggression and violence for strength. Referring to cases involving fighting, bullying and forming groups to intimidate others, he stressed that violence cannot solve problems but only aggravates conflicts. Students should develop an awareness of the law, earn respect through self-improvement, learn to defuse conflicts and resolve disputes through reason, he added.

Zhang also called for joint efforts from families, schools and society to protect the healthy growth of minors. He encouraged parents to provide care, guidance and timely intervention, and teachers to strengthen students' awareness of behavioral boundaries and promptly identify and correct early signs of problematic behavior. Courts will continue to work with relevant parties to strengthen the protection of minors and prevent juvenile delinquency at an early stage, he noted.

Teachers and students of Beijing No 2 High School attend the legal education lecture. [Photo/court.gov.cn] 

The lecture was delivered both online and offline, with teachers, students and parent representatives from Beijing No 2 High School and student representatives from Xiong’an New Area attending in person. Prior to the lecture, Zhang presented legal books and court-themed cultural products to student representatives.

Participants of the event include Li Yihu, a deputy to the National People’s Congress; Liu Lin, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; and officials from relevant departments of the SPC, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, the National Working Committee on Children and Women under the State Council, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, the All-China Women’s Federation, and the China Working Committee for Care of the Next Generation. Officials from relevant authorities in Beijing and its Dongcheng district also attend. [Photo/court.gov.cn] 

Participants of the event included Li Yihu, a deputy to the National People’s Congress; Liu Lin, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; and officials from relevant departments of the SPC, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, the National Working Committee on Children and Women under the State Council, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, the All-China Women’s Federation, and the China Working Committee for Care of the Next Generation.

Officials from relevant authorities in Beijing and its Dongcheng district also attended.