Chinese Student's Mental Breakdown After School Horror Film Viewing Results in Legal Compensation

Representative image.

A Chinese student experienced a severe mental breakdown following a horror film viewing during a self-study session at their school, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP). This incident resulted in legal proceedings against the educational institution. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the affected student, ordering the school's insurance provider to pay compensation amounting to 9,182 yuan (approximately $1,300).

The event occurred in October 2023 when students were left for self-study due to a teacher's absence. During this period, students collectively suggested watching a movie, and with unanimous agreement from classmates and approval from the class head teacher, they selected a horror film. The specific title of the movie was not disclosed in reports.

Later that same day, while communicating online with their mother, the student began exhibiting concerning symptoms including speech difficulties and mental confusion. Although specific details of these symptoms weren't revealed, the situation was serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention.

The student, who had no prior history of mental illness, was promptly taken to hospital where medical professionals diagnosed them with acute and transient psychotic disorder. According to the Cleveland Clinic, psychosis involves a disconnection from reality where individuals may develop false beliefs or experience things that aren't real—it represents a collection of symptoms rather than a specific condition.

The parents filed a claim asserting that the school failed in its duty to protect their child's health, arguing that the mental health crisis was directly triggered by watching the horror film on school premises.

In their defense, school representatives attempted to avoid liability by suggesting in court that the student's breakdown resulted from either a "special physical constitution" or an "underlying illness."

During legal proceedings, it was revealed that the school had purchased liability insurance covering more than 5,000 students, including the affected student, with individual coverage limits of up to 500,000 yuan (US$70,000). The school also claimed to have implemented comprehensive psychological health education systems.

The Hengzhou People's Court recently ruled that the school bore 30 percent responsibility for the incident since the film viewing had received official approval. However, the court also considered questions regarding the student's voluntary participation in watching the film.

This case highlights the potential risks of exposing young people to disturbing content. Horror movies can trigger anxiety, fear, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in vulnerable individuals.

The incident generated significant discussion on Chinese social media platforms. One user commented, "Honestly, they should not have shown a horror film. There are so many classic films to choose from, and this one was even approved by the teacher. The school definitely bears some responsibility."