Li Yinhe, a fellow with the Institute of Sociology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a noted Chinese sociologist and sexologist, gives a keynote speech, "Sexuality in China", in Washington on April 3. The event was hosted by the Brookings Institution on the topics of sex education and social change in China. [Liu Xiaoxian / for China Daily]

A MIDDLE SCHOOL in Shenmu county in Shaanxi province, Northwest China, has forbidden "mixed seating" during meals, introducing different meal halls for boys and girls. The school principal has defended the action by saying it will prevent improper behavior and curb puppy love between students. China Youth Daily commented on Thursday:

There is no scientific evidence that proves puppy love adversely affects students' academic performance in school. Some students who excel in their studies are also good at managing their feelings.

This ban shows the poor management abilities of the school administrators.

They fear a scandal resulting from a student getting pregnant. So the ban is partly the result of their failure to provide proper sex education.

There is still the perception among some educators that the best sex education is no sex education.

The Shenmu county school is a key middle school at the provincial level. A school with such a good reputation should be advancing educational reform, instead of being a camp for conservatism.

Having an open mind toward sex education is the best way to avoid an "accidental outcome" from puppy love.