Chinese boy, 11, develops vitiligo after teacher slaps him 4 times for not doing math homework

The boy was slapped after being brought to the front of the class. (Representational Image)

A woman in China has alleged that her 11-year-old son developed vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune disorder, after being slapped by his teacher for not completing homework. The incident, which occurred at Yifu Primary School in Yunnan province, has drawn attention to the issue of corporal punishment in Chinese schools.

The boy, identified only as Liu, was reportedly slapped four times by his teacher—three times on the right cheek and once on the left—after being brought to the front of the class for failing to complete his mathematics homework, South China Morning Post reported.

Liu's mother, surnamed Huang, noticed severe swelling on his face shortly after the incident and took him to the hospital. Three months later, Liu began losing pigmentation in patches on his skin, a hallmark symptom of vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a condition where the skin loses its pigment cells, leading to white patches that can spread over time. While the exact cause of the disorder remains unknown, environmental stress factors, including physical trauma, are believed to trigger its onset in susceptible individuals. Huang has since struggled to contact the teacher involved and is awaiting reimbursement for her son's medical bills from the school.

A spokesperson from Yifu Primary School confirmed to SCMP that Liu has been diagnosed with vitiligo and stated that the school is cooperating with a police investigation into the matter. Authorities are currently conducting a forensic injury assessment to determine the appropriate legal actions against the teacher, whose identity and gender have not been disclosed.

This case has reignited debates about the use of corporal punishment in schools, which is explicitly banned under China’s law on the protection of minors. Despite the legal framework, instances of harsh disciplinary measures continue to emerge.

Last year, a teacher in Hunan faced criminal charges after striking a nine-year-old student on the head with a triangular ruler, an act that resulted in a skull fracture requiring surgery.

Vitiligo patients often face social stigma, with many experiencing anxiety and depression due to the visible nature of the condition.