The recent incident on a domestic flight in China, involving the separation and confinement of a crying toddler in an airplane toilet, has sparked significant controversy and debate.
Incident Details
On August 24, a flight from Guiyang to Shanghai operated by Juneyao Airlines became the centre of a heated discussion when two women, who are not related to the child, were accused of child abuse. They locked a crying toddler in the plane’s lavatory, allegedly as a form of punishment to stop the child from crying. The video of the incident, posted by one of the women on Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), shows the child wailing and trying to get out, while the women made remarks suggesting the child could be released if she stopped crying.
Airline and Reactions
Juneyao Airlines confirmed the incident and stated that the child had been taken to the toilet with her grandmother’s consent as part of an effort to “educate” the child. The airline claimed that the child’s mother, who was not on the flight, later expressed understanding of the women’s actions. However, the video went viral, leading to widespread backlash.
Social Media and Public Response
The video and subsequent public reaction have sparked outrage, with many criticizing the actions of the women and the grandmother. Social media users have called for legal action and intervention from social services, emphasizing that children have the right to express themselves and should not be subjected to such treatment. The incident has highlighted ongoing debates in China about parenting styles and the treatment of children deemed “unruly” or “spoilt.”
Previous Incident
This is not the first instance of disruptive behaviour related to children on flights in China. Earlier this month, a flight from Chongqing was delayed after a child’s dispute over seat comfort led to an extended delay. In 2015, passengers were removed from a flight after a scuffle over seat recline issues.
The controversy around this latest incident underscores the complex and often contentious discussions surrounding child behaviour and parental authority in public spaces.