Send us your thoughts on the Storyville film Children of the Chinese Circus using the form on the right and we will publish a selection of comments below.

Is it wrong, though? It's very easy for us in the West to be shocked and appalled by this, but what is the alternative for these children? By boycotting the circus, as many of you have proposed to do, you are cutting off one more of these children's routes out of abject poverty - not the sort of poverty we have in Britain where the government bails you out, the sort where you die because you don't have enough to eat.
If I was a parent, and I had the chance to help my child out of poverty, I would do so. These children now have a living, and a chance to make a decent go at life. It is wrong that they should have to go through this, but simply boycotting the circus will make no difference - it will only deprive these children of employment, and close down one of the few avenues out of poverty.
The trainers do, I think, care for the children. That is why they are training them so hard, so the children can grow up to make a living. Don't blame them for making the best of a rotten system.
Helen, Northamptonshire

It is a few days since I saw this programme, but I cannot forget the agony on those children's faces. How could parents, who are only allowed one child, condemn them to this life of misery? Seeing the clips of the rehearsals for the Olympics opening ceremony, it makes you not wonder but sure that they have all gone through the same torture, and wonder for how long.
Pauli, Washington, Tyne and Wear

What a final performance. Half the children in my road have come in to watch this little boy's circus show. Great programming.
Kathleen Agnew, Ruthin Clwyd

I have spent part of my adult life explaining to other people what is meant by abuse in relation to children. One bullet point is that, in a sporting context, abuse could be interpreted as a coach having unrealistic expectations of their athletes. As I watched, I was appalled at what seemed to be a systematic disassembly of the child's self-esteem and support structure. 'You're fat'; 'You're no good'. Undeniably abusive. Then I watched the performance of the same boy. I have never witnessed a sporting performance that compares to his. It was an emotionally powerful, stunning example of human achievement and truly beautiful to see. Would, or could, the standard be so high with less intensive techniques? Even then it's impossible to condone the behaviour of the coaches. I wonder if the boy finally found a smile from the applause of the audience? I do hope so - as he had little else to smile about.
Scott Mackenzie, Penicuik, Scotland

We felt very upset while watching this documentary. Being Chinese ourselves, we felt so sad that such cruelty is happening to our kids. We really hope we could do something about this.
Mr and Mrs Tang, London

Amazing programme! Congratulations on just reporting things as you saw them and not subjecting us to some inane commentaries, repeating in slow pained drawling regional voices what has already been seen for the 'concentrationally challenged'. I predict a complete lack of sympathy and understanding from people in the UK for the compassion shown by the coaches along with the hard lessons in what is a very competitive field with high rewards for those who stick out the course. They shone in their honesty and their genuine desire to offer all children an opportunity, then to unswervingly continue with those who really want to grasp it. We should learn a lot from this and revise our namby-pamby attitudes towards children in our own 'give them everything without any effort or responsibility' culture.
Albert Burton, Bordon

This was a fascinating programme and the child's performance at the end was truly breathtaking to watch. However, the treatment of the young boy throughout was very disturbing. I would have loved to see someone smile at him or put their arms around him. It would be interesting to see an interview with this child in a year or so, and/or when he is an adult, and see whether he thinks it was all worthwhile.
Linda Cooke, West Midlands

While I was amazed at the sheer talent and determination of the children in this documentary, I was moved to tears by the disgusting way in which the teachers taught, or tried to, and abused their pupils.
Amy, South Shields

I had just finished viewing Ghosts of Abu Ghraib on More 4 when I turned over to watch The Children of the Chinese Circus. Having been sickened to my stomach at the treatment of the "prisoners" which were openly called "torture" by the educated people both featured on, and the makers of, the Abu Ghraib programme, to watch in horror at, I consider, just as treacherous horrors inflicted upon these children in the name of training.

I watched, until the end of the programme, with tears in my eyes expecting the narrator to at least comment on the psychological and physical abuse these youngsters were forced to endure. I was left confused when not only was the plight of these children ignored, but the adults responsible for the child abuse were sycophantically thanked. The lasting thought this documentary left me with was to wonder how long it would be before one of these children was successful in taking their own lives as the only escape they appeared to have out of the nightmare. Surely as an intelligent nation, China cannot condone the methods implemented to produce "results". Rigorous training can be conducted without psychological torture.
Anna, Hull

Does anybody know if there is a campaign against this form of child abuse that people can support to put pressure on the perpetrators to stop what they are doing? Isn't there an international equivalent of the RSPCC that could be supported and strengthened? Or isn't UNICEF mandated to deal with this sort of cruelty? I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to channel the horror, disgust and compassion aroused by this documentary into something positive and transformative.
Kevin Laing, Edinburgh

I was appalled to see the pain and suffering of these young children and young teenagers. It is wrong to put a child through so much pain and suffering, with the teachers saying it was for their own good. I was disgusted that in 2007 children are still treated with such brutality by their elders. At their age they should be living and playing like a child.
Donna Griffiths, Tidworth

I sat and watched in disbelief as the young children were put through hell. The tiny little girl on the trapeze fell so many times and hurt herself, and the poor girls practicing the triple handstand, I know, there's no gain without pain, but this was first-degree cruelty, to what end?
Brian Hammond, Durham

I have just been watching this programme and have only one comment to make: What an absolute disgrace the way both staff and students are treated. It is both Draconian and barbaric and should be banned. The edict that 'competition is everything' despite the pain and suffering inflicted upon the artists, some of whom are too young to understand, is appalling. It is exploitation in its cruellest form.
Jim Milligan, Derby

I was appalled and tearful watching the systematic abuse of this poor young, obviously terrified boy. His only comfort was eating and the torture he suffered was unbearable. Please bring this to the viewers' attention (mainstream) so that something can be done to stop this terrible abuse of these young, defenceless and obviously unhappy people.
Irene Jardine, Bala, Wales

I watched the above programme with mounting levels of disgust and incredulity. I was an acrobat in my youth but worked hard for my own enjoyment and to entertain others. These poor children do not even have a childhood. I am appalled that we are allowing people that 'train' children in this way to host the Olympics. They certainly don't seem to subscribe to my idea of the Olympic ideal.
June Tegg, Reading Berks

This documentary showed clearly the pain, torture and humiliation suffered by these children to provide entertainment. It was shocking to see the young child so distraught and still holding on to the wall bars to complete an exercise. Please show this on BBC One prime time.
K Ashe, Glasgow

I have watched many documentaries in my time but none has ever angered or appalled me as much as last night's Children of the Chinese Circus. It was a painful programme to watch and made me horrified to think that so many of us unwittingly sit in awe of Chinese circus performers completely unaware of what goes on behind the scenes. I understand that some viewers admired the phenomenal physical achievements of these athletes and believed the end justified the means - but I cannot agree. Surely no amount of acrobatic success can truly convince us that the inhumane and torturous practices that go on in training are in any way acceptable! No matter how large the population; no matter how hard it is to reach the top, there can be no justification for the use of mental and physical abuse in order to reach it. The children may turn into outstanding acrobats (as many did) but how happy did any of those children (or their trainers) look? Isn't happiness (not wealth or performance) the best measure of success in all of our lives? We are all aware that human beings in desperate times are capable of horrific human rights abuses but for this to be going on in any country in times of peace and under the friendly and acceptable guise of 'entertainment' is despicable. Along with others I would also like to know what can be done by people like me to bring an end to the inhumane practices so many of us witnessed last night in your programme.
Catherine, London

I, like many, felt quite shocked by the documentary, particularly the scene with the young child having his/her leg bent over their head for such a long time - it was difficult to watch. What I was even more shocked by was the fact that the film had almost entirely Chinese names in the craftspeople and producers behind the programme, which is indicative of the openness of the Chinese to what they are doing - which again implies no embarrassment or negativity. Who then are we, greatly enlightened ones, to comment on what occurs in a community and sport few, if any, of us have any idea of?
Clayton Hairs, London

I was appalled at this programme. It would be interesting to see how these children turn out emotionally and mentally. Chinese mental health units are probably full of former circus performers.
Laura Rosindale, Runcorn, Cheshire

As I am part of the GB squad for acrobatics, I found this programme extremely interesting. I felt sorry for the hand-balancing boy because it wasn't just his coach having a go at him, but his parents too. He has no life. But the outcome of his intense training is amazing. I would love to have my own copy of this documentary.
Edward Upcott, Egham, Surrey

I thought the programme was fantastic. OK, the children are trained hard, but the results were amazing. I sat watching the young lad going through his routine at the end and could not believe what he could do with his body. There were moments when he was doing what looked like a horizontal handstand when he must have defied gravity. Another great and memorable programme from the BBC.
Robert, Wormley, England

Horrific, stunning, fascinating, upsetting, inspiring. I went through a complete range of emotions watching this. Not my place to comment on the brutality of this school, but that routine at the end by the 'handstand' boy - just how stunning was that. Fantastic TV by the BBC. Again.
Andy, Leeds

I think this film disgraces the BBC. I can't understand how the film-makers could spend so much time with these children, see what is going on first hand and then return to England to make a documentary about them. This achieves nothing. The makers of this programme are as guilty of child cruelty as those teachers in the school. Both motives are the same, to use children as entertainment, whether it be through a circus show or a TV show. I realise that we cannot interfere with China but the film-makers could have done something constructive with this film. Maybe they could have suggested different ways of dealing with the children. I know that the people of China are always keen to learn and copy the ways of the West. Unfortunately they will never know otherwise unless we show them.
Fleur, London

I watched this programme last night with great anticipation as I had heard so much negativity surrounding it. I was expecting to see children being forced into contortion, being smacked, being publicly humiliated, and I was surprised, in a good way. I must have been watching a different programme than the people who derided this programme: these children made me realise WHY Britain will never have any truly great sportsmen and women. By that I mean, consistently great. It's simple: these young people and their teachers have pride in their country, and want to work hard to serve their country and government. Britons have very little to be proud about: Britain is top of the class for teenage pregnancy, promiscuity, drunkenness and drug-taking among its young people. Great! The difference in these children and young people and the young people I see loitering around out local shopping centre is embarrassing. These kids are so driven, our kids just have absolutely no drive or motivation - except when it comes to sex, booze and drugs. How sad that British society has fallen apart to this level. Our kids could do with a spell at this school; then they might learn something about ethics and hard work and morals. We mollycoddle our kids to the point that one in three children is now obese. Bet there isn't that problem in this school. My daughter trains as a contortionist and gymnast, she is nine, and yes, she works very hard, her workouts are frequent and very strenuous. Am I being a child abuser, too? But guess which child has had NO days off sick from school in the last year?? Need I say more?
Raluca, Liverpool

This was a truly mortifying programme, filming the public torture of children. I found myself almost in tears watching the systematic physical and mental abuse of these children. If I sat in a park with my seven-year-old nephew bending his leg back past his ear with him crying in pain I would hope to be arrested for abuse, yet we were expected to understand this as cultural and OK! This is not OK. Children should be protected and loved, feel safe and play with lots of laughter and full bellies. I had to eventually turn over when I could no longer watch an eight-year-old being told he wasn't going to be able to go home to see his parents because he ate snacks. I am not a mother or overly maternal, but even I could see this was morally wrong. I thought we were in a culture of protecting children. He was so distressed at his existence that he even ran away once, and I'm sure he was aware of the consequences. Is there really a need to use such barbaric methods to motivate and develop these youngsters? This should not be a BBC Four documentary but breaking news as the NSPCC or similar organisation swoop in and prevent the torture of innocent children from continuing.
Jodie, Portsmouth

Who will turn out to be better adults, these children trained half to death by their dedicated teachers, or the children of same age who stopped me on the sidewalk this evening demanding that I help them buy booze and smoke in the corner shop?
Fred, England

Pure child abuse and slavery. Such mental and physical abuse should not be condoned. I was appalled while watching this documentary at the plight of the young man who was clearly being bullied both by his teachers and his parents; to be told that his mother would throw him out of his home if he did not perform well was astonishing and cruel. Such negativity from teachers and parents leads to dejected and unloved children. It has made me think seriously about the workings of a circus/show and how the effects are achieved. What are the intentions of the BBC and government now that this programme has been aired? Are they going to help the children of the circus or just pack away the cameras and forget about them?
Sue Beatson, Sheffield

From the previous comments on the programme, it confirms a big gap between the East and West's value and way of thinking. To me, born in China, grew up in Hong Kong and educated in the UK, the programme shows the spirit of Chinese: "no pain, no gain", "self control and self discipline", "one has to take responsibility for oneself", "want to be the best or nothing", and so on. Maybe these are the root reasons of China's recent economy miracle. I remember not long ago, people in the West possessed the same/similar spirit, and through the hard work and determination, England became the mightiest country in the world. Where is it now?
Carl, London

The time of this comment is 8:40pm on 15 August 2007. How come there are so many comments when the programme hasn't even finished yet! By the way, love the comment from Aidan O'Flanagan of Dublin. Is he going to similarly boycott the Catholic Church for its worldwide paedophilic abuse of children? They don't do things like we do, that doesn't make them wrong or us right. They have a completely different idea about discipline. It is worth mentioning that with a population of about 1.2 billion to rise to the top requires great sacrifice.
Roger Walker, Birmingham

As I watched this programme tonight, I felt so sad. There were moments when I couldn't stop crying when those children were trying so hard and couldn't cry freely, the fear in their eyes! I feel devastated and completely helpless to stop this sort of abuse. Never go to a circus or any other similar shows involving human or animals. This is the least we can do and by doing this, this sort of business, which some describe as culture, hopefully stops.
Atefeh, Manchester

This is on at the moment and I am actually in tears watching it. I want to rescue all of those poor children. I am absolutely devastated that this is allowed to happen. It is child abuse. Poor, poor children.
Angela Geeson, Stamford

I could not believe what I was watching, those poor children crying through sheer exhaustion and pain, the adults were treating them no better than child abusers. There was no compassion or empathy for how the children felt whatsoever, to see a child training his heart out while being called a brat and just dumb, I'm amazed this is allowed to continue. Many things made me upset and angry about this programme but the little girl on the bar having to lift her legs above her head to touch the bar while crying and in pain, these people should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves, I will never go to one of these circuses and line their pockets that's for certain.
Stacy, Oxford

There is no denying the giftedness and the skill the youngsters achieve. However, surely this could be achieved without the barracking by those morons passing for teachers. Can they not read non-verbal signals? Do they have to shout and verbally humiliate children? Have they never heard of human dignity? Sorry! This is China after all, where dignity has never been allowed. Not only would I never watch such performances, I would never, ever, put any money into Chinese coffers by visiting the place. And don't think there is nothing we can do! We can send love to the children. And we can write to the school and make our views held. How would those - I daren't call them teachers, they are bullies - like it if we all wrote to them in the manner they spoke to the children? I am appalled.
Andrew Hunter, Spain

Oh, such flooded sympathy. Are you so convinced you are right? It is life that is cruel, not the circus school. Their parents and teachers are working for the sake of their children. Look at the worsening situation here - drug abuse, trouble makers, binge drinking - why? Isn't it because life is too boring for them? I grew up in China, I know I have to get up at six o'clock in the morning to go to school, I have to study until midnight because I want to have a good future. Why do so many people get depression in their adult life in Western countries? Think about it, some people's sympathy may be killing their children in later life. If you really love your children, you should bring them up strong enough to face real life.
Jack, Essex

I am an acrobatic gymnast myself, and compete at international level competitions. I really enjoyed the documentary and was in awe of the talent produced. I know that the methods seen may seem brutal, however, I would be happy go through this if it meant I could achieve the same results at competition. I don't feel that it's fair for those of us living in Western society to judge the training methods which were shown, and I am in agreement with the points brought up by Edele from Leeuwarden, about the issues our own teachers have in the welfare of our children, regarding the fact that they fear helping a child from falling in case they are accused of abuse, and so on. I would also like to point out that in many parts of the documentary, the acrobats were seen answering their teachers back, this is something I know does not happen in acrobatic clubs in our own society, and I personally wouldn't dare answer my coach back. This shows that these Chinese acrobats do not live in fear of their teachers, therefore what is the problem? Many of these children will probably earn a better life and education through the circus school, rather than living a life of poverty. The only main difference in the methods seen in this documentary and the ones used in acrobatic clubs in Western society today was that at no time were the kids given positive comments. This was the only factor I felt was wrong. I would personally love to have the opportunity to receive the knowledge of the Chinese teachers. Acrobatic gymnastics has played a huge part in my life since the age of six, and I am ever striving to better myself. Not only has the sport made me a competitive person, but it has also taught me respect for the abilities of the human.
Anon (aged 17), Devon

I loved the documentary for its honest depiction of Chinese culture. I was slightly shocked by the comments found here. Surely the images were shocking, but in our ever-shrinking world, shouldn't we be more aware that not everyone thinks like Westerners? Excelling at circus or sport is a way out of poverty for the whole family, and the training methods shown in the documentary give results. Sure they are brutal, but in Europe teachers are required by law to ask the child if you can touch/catch it, before you can stop it from falling. Is it really for us to say that our methods are better? For me the mental abuse of one of the teachers was far more shocking, as it signified a cultural intolerance to any form of failure, by anyone: child or adult.
Edele, Leeuwarden

I am so glad I am not the only one who felt physically and emotionally sick after watching this programme. I feel devastated for these young children being subjected to such abuse. I feel completely helpless knowing there is nothing I can do. Your programme has highlighted the lengths China is going to in the name of entertainment. I can honestly say I will never go and watch a circus/show ever again because of this.
K Edwards, Norwich

I have not watched a programme as disturbing as this. Those young children are bullied, or rather tortured, into obeying. Their bodies are manipulated into painful positions. They are verbally bullied. They never answer back. They are told to stop crying. They have no support from parents. They have no option but to obey and conform. I guess that's a communist state for you. Those poor, dear children.

I shall never again enjoy a Chinese acrobatic performance, now I know what has gone on in order to achieve that. The entertainment value is definitely not worth the blood, sweat and tears. Those children deserve to be children, to live and be happy, to be loved, and not to be criticised and bullied. They received very little praise and encouragement. They rarely smiled.

One of the teachers had an operation for an injury brought on by over-training. Surely this would have taught them a lesson? No, they just go on abusing more and more children. This behaviour would not be tolerated in the Western world, so why is it allowed in China?
Karen Gutans, England

Pure child abuse - animals no longer allowed in circus acts! I felt utterly sick and disgusted - what these poor kids have to go through - is there anything we can do? I certainly think that the parents were being lied to and pressured because there is nothing else for the children, especially the child with 'mute' parents and the little boy who was not 'studious' - doomed to a childhood of torture - do any of these people even have medical training? Children have developing bodies and should never build muscle to this extent. What of the little girl who fell and possibly damaged her spine, neck or shoulder, or the young boy who had his leg forced towards and beyond his head? People doing this here would be prosecuted. We must ban all child circus acts in the West.
A Henderson, England

I was extremely upset and disturbed at what I witnessed during this programme. This is certainly child abuse and would not be tolerated in the Western world. This sort of treatment of children should not be allowed in any country. I will certainly be boycotting anything like this in the future.
Karen Gutans, Exeter

Al King, I have to agree fully with you. It was an amazing programme, and I was thoroughly hooked. It was painful at times to watch, but the end result was amazing. The young boy doing the handstands at the end was amazing, but I felt for the young girl who injured her shoulder. I cannot stop thinking of the programme, and how I would have coped if I was one of those children.
Katy Newman (aged 15), Manchester

I too was horrified at what can only be described as abuse and in some cases even torture of children as young as seven and eight in the programme. I wonder if the cameramen felt as powerless as the children he was watching being bullied, manipulated and intimidated. The fact that the school allowed the filming speaks volumes about what it is acceptable to do to children in the name of entertainment. I would like to see a follow up programme where the social services and child protection agencies in China are questioned about these practices. Child slavery in a more acceptable form?
Clare Sheahan, Ennis, Co. Clare

I watched this with horror. To see such children suffer mental and physical abuse. Watching young children cry as they are made to do exercises to their limit. A young boy lying on his back while one teacher holds down one leg and another forces his other leg towards his nose and beyond and the young lad weeping in agony as anyone would. Perhaps the kids who make it will grow up to have some glory but pray they don't end up like their coaches who no doubt experienced similar abuse in their childhood. I say to all of Britain - do not support the Chinese circus when they next visit because by doing so you are supporting the child abusers and their methods for training these kids, regardless of the superhuman physical feats that they achieve.
Angela Olson, Groombridge

Please, please, please - someone help these children. I watched this programme last night and found it really distressing. It was nothing short of torture and abuse, Animals are no longer treated badly in the circus, so something should be done to stop children from being treated this way!
M Billingsley, Oldham

This excellent programme raises many questions about children's rights/child abuse. I am Chinese and I am sad to say what I saw in this programme doesn't surprise me. Yes, China will do incredibly well in the Bejing Olympics and now many more people know why. I would be interested to know how Storyville got this foootage.
Angela Seddon, Bristol

Easily the most disturbing documentary I have watched in a long time. It was absolutely horrific watching the young acrobat having his body contorted in the most grotesque way, then being berated by teachers and parents. This is one of the worst forms of child cruelty, and needs to be addressed immediately! Thank you for bringing it to the attention of the public.
C Shirreffs, Glasgow

I have never taken the time to write and complain, but after watching Children of the Chinese Circus I felt compelled to. To say I was disturbed by the content of the show would be an understatement. I had to change the station after a short while, as I was becoming emotionally upset and started feeling nauseous watching the treatment of the children in the documentary. While watching I did not once get the impression that BBC were opposed to the show’s content and I am disappointed. I feel that it is BBC's responsibility to publicly condemn the treatment of the children in the show. Never has a television show affected me the way Children of the Chinese Circus has, I am deeply concerned for the wellbeing of the children featured.
Sarah, Ireland

As a British-born Chinese, raised and educated in the UK, I can't 'relate' to the people of China, and this was confirmed last night. Having watched the programme I found it very upsetting and just kept thinking, surely this is child cruelty? We all are in awe of shows such as Cirque du Soleil, Shaolin Monks and circus acts - now I am in two minds whether these should be shown or not. I agree with Julie Burns' comment and I do not think we should be supporting this type of cruelty. I felt so sorry for the kids and am glad I watched this show as it gave me an insight into the reality of this so-called training.
Ling Chia, London

What an amazing programme. The Children of the Chinese Circus had everything: it was informative, insightful, had tension and drama, and to watch what those children do as training was at times painful to watch, but it did make for an incredible piece of TV. Also congratulations to the producers: that you refrained from using a narrator only makes it more powerful and enjoyable. Brilliant television.
Al King, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

This programme was unexpectedly disturbing and distressing. I believed what I saw to be child abuse on a physical and emotional level. It was made worse by the knowledge these children were away from their homes. I have read extraordinary reviews of the Chinese State Circus and now wonder if children are similarly hurt there. If so, I do not believe we should be supporting such cruelty masquerading as entertainment. It also caused me to question what abuse may be being perpetrated in the run up to the Olympics in Beijing next year. Finally, I felt the announcer's comments at the start of this programme were inappropriate. Her comparison to what we were about to see to our sessions at gym or yoga gave no indication of the abuse of children that followed.
Julie Burns, Edinburgh

Very well filmed. Extremely upsetting. These kids will be scarred for life. I thought a human circus was better than an animal one but they are hardly given more rights than animals.
Christine Jones, Ely, Cambridgeshire

This depicted child abuse - mental and physical. While it was a fascinating look behind the scenes, I thought it showed an unacceptable aspect of the treatment of children in that country. I would like to see the circus boycotted.
Aidan O'Flanagan, Dublin

Just finished viewing Children of the Chinese Circus, and I am dumbfounded not just by the physical prowess, but also by training which would in the UK be considered child abuse.
Karuski, London