Jiaxing, located in East China's Zhejiang province, has been at the forefront of a positive education reform for kids and adolescents in recent years. 

Positive education is the combination of traditional education principles with the exploration of happiness and well-being.

To date, Jiaxing has established 102 positive education pilot schools and 18 experimental schools, along with 111 specialized schools and 46 kindergartens – offering activities such as football, basketball, volleyball and more to cater to children's interests.

The schools are actively fostering family-school partnerships, involving parents more in the educational process. For example, Jiaxing Experimental Primary School recently initiated a Smart Dad Classroom, where fathers convened to share and discuss parenting experiences while learning about scientific and effective educational methods.

Students undergo an immersive relaxation experience through virtual reality in the Jiaxing mental health service center. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

On a broader scale, Jiaxing has set up a comprehensive mental health service network for children and adolescents, which includes a municipal center, eight county-level city sub-centers, 55 community service groups and 336 primary and secondary school service stations.

A 24-hour youth psychological support hotline – telephone 88517885 – has been launched. 

The hotline – staffed by professionals like university professors, psychiatrists and psychology teachers – offers round-the-clock psychological counseling, guidance and intervention services to students and parents in need.

In 2024, the municipal center alone fielded 2,403 hotline calls and handled 422 face-to-face inquiries. 

Overall, in Jiaxing, a collaborative effort among families, schools and society is well underway to cultivate a positive educational environment that helps children discover a path towards a fulfilling and joyful life.