In Hong Kong, according to the Education Bureau, schools need to play Chinese anthem when it celebrates on the day of the anniversary of Hong Kong handover, national day, and on New Year’s Day.
As for how it will impact the school, for local and international schools, they are inquiring into if teachers and students who disrespectful Chinese anthem. If teachers and students cause and express serious humiliate of the anthem, the school can inform the police.
With this guideline, it has brought lots of parents worry and concern for their children. They are worried as to the circumscription of insult, and whether in situations that their children would get punished. Besides, principals pressed authorities to provide clear instructions on how the school can teach students about the anthem in the course.
The national anthem bill has passed early this month. For anyone that convicted of insult or misapply anthem, they would face the fine for up to HKD$50,000 and be in prison for three years. This law also requires given the clear explanation that national anthem is included in the curriculum for both primary and secondary schools.
In the guideline, it also included the schools that are required to display the flags, play the national anthem, and students sing along with the celebration going on the following day, January1, July 1, and October 1. Formerly, there were encouraged to do so, but now had changed to require to do. This would be the biggest change for celebration guidelines on campus.
Although
these specific days are public holidays, the schools would usually has a
celebration prior to or on the day before the event. For other days, it would
be advised only.