A NEW directive released Wednesday by the Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau requires each primary school in Shenzhen to have at least six security guards in a bid to enhance campus safety.

The number of security guards in each kindergarten and middle school should be at least two and 10, respectively.

Schools can outsource the security service to professional security guard service companies, according to the directive.

Education departments and related departments will draft guidelines on preventing campus bullying and violence.

Schools should offer telephone numbers for students to seek help, the directive says.

An admonishment mechanism is advised to be carried out to educate students showing violent behaviors.

It is also stated in the directive that schools should enhance students’ safety awareness and their self-protection capability.

Instructions related to the prevention of violence, criminal behaviors and bullying should be added into classes. Schools are required to arrange emergency evacuation drills for cases such as earthquake and fire on a regular basis, says the directive. Principals and teachers should attend trainings to study safety guidelines.

In terms of the management of areas surrounding schools, it is noted that manufacturers and facilities that may produce pollution are forbidden within 200 meters of both sides of the school entrance.

This range is also illegal for business premises such as Internet cafes, entertainment and lottery franchises.

On top of that, tobacco products are strictly prohibited within 50 meters from the entrance of a school campus. (Wang Jingli)