China's new Preschool Education Law defines two types of bans on individuals in the preschool education sector, namely those with criminal records and those with a history of alcoholism, an official said on Monday.

Wang Jingbo, an official with the China Law Society and the president of Heilongjiang University, said the law established strict eligibility criteria and accountability for kindergarten staff.

It prohibits employment of individuals with criminal records related to abuse, sexual assault, harassment, trafficking, violent conduct, drug use, or gambling, as well as those with a history of alcoholism or severe violations of professional ethics that could endanger children's physical or mental well-being, Wang said.

Furthermore, the law imposes legal responsibility on kindergarten staff members who engage in corporal punishment, discrimination, humiliation, or other harmful treatment of children. "Schools or relevant departments are required to take appropriate disciplinary action based on the severity of the offense," she said.

Kindergartens or educational authorities that detect such misconduct are instructed to respond according to established regulations.

Individuals meriting the ban will be permanently removed from the teaching profession to ensure a secure and supportive environment for young children, according to the law.