Recently, in Qingdao, Shandong Province, a 9-year-old child was suspected to have died after being beaten for 3 hours by his father due to allegedly using his father’s credit card to make in-game purchases.
According to a report by Modern Express, on the evening of the 18th, a person claiming to be a hospital staff member posted online stating that a 9-year-old child was brought to a hospital in the Huangdao District of Qingdao. The child’s breathing and heartbeat stopped as soon as they arrived at the hospital entrance, and the resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
The online post mentioned, “The child made in-game purchases and was beaten with an electrical cord by the father, resulting in bruises all over the body.” “Three hours later, when the child’s mother returned home from work, the child complained of feeling unwell, and then his mother brought him to the hospital…”
The poster expressed that the emergency room doctors immediately called the police, but unfortunately, the child could not be saved.
In response to this, the hospital staff member stated that due to privacy concerns, they could not disclose further details. The local police station staff mentioned that the local authorities have intervened, and the specific circumstances of the case are under investigation.
The incident has sparked concern among netizens. Online users have expressed their opinions, with many saying, “Even if your child spends some money, how can you be so harsh? Is money more important than your child’s life?” “My son is 10 years old, and sometimes I get angry and hit him. But there’s a difference between discipline and beating him to the point of death. He is not an enemy!”
Some have suggested, “The game development company should be held accountable.” “Game companies are like opium.”
The tragic incident has not only raised questions about responsible parenting and discipline but has also led to a larger discussion about the potential negative impact of online gaming and parental oversight. The public’s outrage and calls for justice highlight the importance of addressing such issues to prevent similar tragedies in the future.