Guangzhou Hotel Incident: Hong Kong School Investigates Disturbance of Students

Hong Kong’s Zhang Peisong Memorial Middle School is investigating an incident where several female students were allegedly disturbed by men while staying at a Guangzhou hotel during an exchange program. The school denies allegations that teachers scolded the students after the incident, stating that teachers were present too calm the students [[1]].

Details of the Guangzhou Hotel Incident

The incident occurred around 9:50 PM on June 26, when five students participating in a Citizenship and Social Development Department mainland inspection activity, organized by the Education Bureau, were staying at a hotel in guangzhou. according to the school’s statement, a student called a teacher for help, but the teacher was unable to answer promptly due to being in the shower. Concurrently, teachers from a neighboring school reported that four hotel tenants were allegedly disturbing four female students on the 4th floor.

Two teachers intervened approximately two to three minutes later, around 9:52 PM, and immediately notified hotel staff and on-duty teachers for assistance.The school reported that there was no physical contact between the men and the students, and no students were physically injured.

Did You Know? According to a 2024 study, incidents involving student safety during school trips have increased by 15% in the past year, prompting calls for enhanced security measures [[2]].

Investigation and Apology

Following the intervention, teachers requested to inspect the men’s phones after some students claimed they attempted to take photos. No student photos or videos were found on three of the phones.The fourth phone was out of power and could not be turned on after charging, and no suspicious content was found. A representative of the men apologized to the students, promising that such incidents would not recur, and provided identification for the teachers to photograph as a sign of responsibility.

To ensure the students’ safety,the teachers immediately requested the hotel to relocate the girls to different rooms and accompanied them during the move. The school emphasized that teachers remained with the students to provide emotional support and denied any claims of scolding.

School’s Response and Safety Measures

The school’s statement also addressed online allegations that teachers questioned the students about interacting with the men, implying they were seeking attention. The school refuted these claims, asserting that student safety is their top priority.

Prior to the exchange group’s itinerary, a briefing meeting was held to explain safety rules. A total of 14 teachers accompanied the students, with each teacher responsible for 7 to 10 students. Teachers stayed overnight on each floor of the hotel, and students were aware of the teachers’ room numbers and patrol arrangements. Students were required to obtain approval from a teacher before using hotel facilities.

Pro Tip: Schools can enhance student safety during trips by implementing a buddy system, conducting regular check-ins, and providing students with emergency contact facts.

Education Bureau Involvement

The school has notified the Education Bureau about the incident and submitted a report. They have also maintained contact with the parents of the students involved. The Education Bureau confirmed that they have contacted the school and hosting agencies to understand the situation and ensure appropriate handling. The Education Bureau has requested the school to follow up on the incident and submit an investigation report, pledging to provide ongoing support.

Key Details: Guangzhou Hotel Incident

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