The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Friday voted to adopt the revised law on protection of minors, which will come into force on June. 1, 2007.

The revised law requires teachers and other school staff to respect children and prohibits corporal punishment and humiliation of students.

The law prohibits schools from prolonging study times and increasing student workloads, and to ensure adequate sleep hours and sports activities for pupils.

Another aim of the law is to protect children's personal safety. One of its provisions states that if accidents occur in activities organized by schools whether on or off campus, school authorities must immediately assist the children and report the accident to the authorities.

The law also requires people's courts to set up special tribunals to try cases involving under-age offenders.

It bans the sale of tobacco, alcohol and pornographic publications to children aged under 18, and prohibits the opening of Internet bars and dance halls near middle and primary schools.

Source: Xinhua