The BBC interviewed several Chinese students who described using medications such as dextromethorphan (a common cough suppressant) and clonazepam (a sedative) to dull the stress of exams and societal expectations. One 17-year-old girl in Shanghai told the BBC she began taking the drugs after her grades slipped, saying she felt 'trapped' and that the substances helped her 'stop thinking about everything.'
The phenomenon is not entirely new, but it appears to be accelerating. Health experts and educators have long warned that China's gaokao—the national college entrance exam—creates immense pressure on teens, with success often seen as the only path to a stable career and family pride.
While the BBC report does not provide nation-wide statistics, it cites anecdotal evidence from clinicians who say they have treated increasing numbers of adolescents with substance misuse issues linked to academic anxiety. Online forums and chat groups, the BBC notes, have facilitated the trade in prescription drugs among minors who might not otherwise have access to such medications.
Chinese authorities have taken steps to curb the problem. In 2023, the government imposed stricter regulations on the sale of dextromethorphan, requiring a prescription for any product containing the substance. However, teens have found ways to obtain drugs through black markets or by using adults' prescriptions, the BBC reports.
The story has drawn attention to the broader mental health crisis among Chinese youth. A 2024 study by Peking University found that nearly one in five Chinese adolescents reported symptoms of depression, with academic stress cited as the primary contributing factor.
Critics of the education system argue that the focus on rote learning and exam results leaves little room for emotional support or alternative career paths. They say that while the government has pledged to reduce the burden on students—including an ongoing 'double reduction' policy aimed at easing homework and after-school tutoring—implementation has been uneven.
The Chinese education ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The BBC report comes amid a wider global discussion on youth mental health, though the specific cultural and regulatory context in China makes this a distinct challenge.