Internet users have posted thousands of comments on a popular Chinese website in response to a proposal calling for an end to the decades-old tradition of honoring "three-good students", or students who have good study habits, attitudes and health.

The proposal came from Shen Peng, honorable chairman of the Chinese Calligraphers Association and a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

“Three-good students” have been selected from among children in primary and middle schools since the 1980s. Peng said the practice should end for three reasons.

First, he said that determining if students are “three-good” students when they are young does little to aid in their development. Second, the system opens the door to abuse: students who are eager to win the honor have tried to influence their teachers by giving them presents. Third, a recent survey suggested that many children and their parents do not support the practice.

The proposal was posted on Sina Weibo by Zhan Guoshu, also a member of the CPPCC. More postings followed quickly as did thousands of comments. Alongside the criticism, many students and parents expressed support for the selection of “three-good” students. Deng Xiaojun, a netizen, said the practice is a means of encouraging students to be well-rounded.

Xu Mei, spokesperson of the Ministry of Education, said selecting “three-good” students has never been required at the school. She said the practice is merely a way to help students develop.