Chinese students turn to oxygen therapy for gaokao stress, revealing systemic education pressures
Original framing: “Chinese pupils seek oxygen therapy to boost memory, reduce anxiety for national exam” — South China Morning Post
The gaokao has deep historical roots in imperial China’s civil service exams, reinforcing a meritocratic myth that equates academic success with moral and intellectual superiority. This framing has persisted through modern reforms, despite growing recognition of the limitations of standardized testing in capturing human potential.
The trend of Chinese students using oxygen therapy for gaokao stress is a symptom of a deeply entrenched, high-stakes education system that prioritizes standardized outcomes over student well-being.
This phenomenon is rooted in historical and cultural patterns, including the legacy of imperial exams and Confucian values that equate academic success with moral worth. The lack of mental health infrastructure, combined with the commodification of quick fixes, reflects a broader failure to address systemic issues in education policy. By integrating holistic assessment models, expanding mental health support, and amplifying marginalized voices, China can move toward a more equitable and sustainable education system. This shift would not only benefit students but also align with global trends toward more inclusive and well-being-focused educational practices.