When a Brave 8‑Year‑Old Turns a School “No” Into a Toon‑Tastic Threat
What Happened in Bijie, China
Picture this: a sunny Monday in the city of Bijie, Guizhou province, where kids usually march straight to school, not to a construction site. But for one 8‑year‑old boy, the “no” to school sent him straight to the roof of a 33‑storey building. Yeah, you read that right—he threatened to jump off the roof, like a superhero in a badly written comic.
How the Drama Unfolded
Construction crew on a crane spotted the tiny cliff‑hanger perched on the ledge, wailing, “I don’t want to go to school!” His parents’ stories say the demand spiraled into a full‑blown drama. Firefighters rushed in, turned the crowd into a silent zone, and clapped the whole crew together—parents, teacher, and rescuers—to convince the boy to walk away from the edge.
The Rescue Mission
Within ten minutes, the boy was pressed into a life‑saving rope, lifted like a really fast forklift, and whisked over the building wall to safety. The footage shows him trembling and softly crying about school, while the firefighter, cape and all, delivered a gentle relief.
Why This Matters
Suddenly we’re looking at a global crisis: schools, our teenage stress‑infuriators. Earlier this year, another child in Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, nearly contentiously attempted a 15‑floor jump. She survived thanks to airbags the rescuers snuck onto the ground. Her “why” was a homework load that rode into winter break faster than a snowboarder.
In Singapore
Singapore’s own story: an 11‑year‑old boy, after failing his exams, slipped to the edge of a “paper‑waist” reality. It’s a crisis that’s sparked a nationwide call for better mental‑health support.
Need a Gritting Breaker?
Here are a few lifelines that may help you or someone you love:
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1800‑221‑4444
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800‑283‑7019
- Sage Counselling Centre: 1800‑555‑5555
- Care Corner Mandarin Counselling: 1800‑353‑5800
If you’re feeling stuck or seeing someone close press up against the wall, just call any of these. It’s as easy as picking up the phone rather than climbing a beautiful 33‑storey tower.
