The Family Education Promotion Law (hereinafter “the Law”, 家庭教育促进法) was promulgated on 23 Oct. 2021 and entered into force on 1 Jan. 2022.

The Law consists of 55 articles, with an aim to promote family education of minors by their parents or guardians.

The main takeaways are as follows.

1.What will become of the parents if they fail to fulfill their educational responsibilities?

If parents or guardians refuse to or neglect to fulfill the responsibilities of family education or illegally obstruct other guardians from conducting family education, they are subject to criticisms, education, reprimand, interference, and if necessary, family education guidance. (Art. 48, Art. 49)

2.Will the schools share the responsibility of family education?

No. Family education is conducted through parents or other guardians of minors.

Schools provide guidance to parents or other guardians by establishing parent schools and organizing guidance services for family education.

3.Are divorced parents or parents who are far from the minors still required to fulfill their family education responsibilities?

Yes. Divorced or separated parents of minors should also cooperate with each other in fulfilling their family education responsibilities. (Art. 20)

Parents or other guardians of minors entrusted by law to take care of minors should maintain regular contact with the entrusted person and the minor in order to know the minor’s school performances, living conditions, and psychological conditions. (Art. 21)