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Why some kids in China can’t play during recess

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A group of young Chinese people play on their mobile phones at a park in Beijing on Nov 7, 2013.

A group of young Chinese people play on their mobile phones at a park in Beijing on Nov 7, 2013.

PHOTO: AFP

Fan Qiaojia, Zhou Yumeng, Li Mingzhi and Wang Xintong

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BEIJING - In many elementary schools across China, playgrounds and hallways are becoming increasingly quiet during recess. These breaks for children to relax between classes are disappearing as schools restrict students’ movement as they fear being held liable for any accidents.

Miaomiao, a first-grader at a Beijing school, told her mother shortly after the spring semester began in March that she didn’t like going to school because she didn’t feel free.

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