Education authorities and parents haven't paid enough attention to survival education, which can help save lives when disaster strikes, says an article in Beijing Youth Daily (excerpts below).

Several students from primary and middle schools died in the Ya'an earthquake. When disasters strike there is no guarantee of surviving but being educated about the dangers and how to take precautions does help.

We can't predict natural disasters but primary and middle school students are more vulnerable in natural disasters so educating them on how to survive is a priority.

Showing them what steps to take in case of a disaster and how to help those injured should be compulsory in all schools.