A viral video of Saudi students tearing up their books in celebration of their last day of term outside a school in Tabuk, sparked outrage in Saudi Arabia over the weekend.

The video has hit a sour note with parents, school officials and education authorities across the kingdom and has also led to the sacking of the school's director by Education Minister Ahmed Al-Eissa , Al-Riyadh reported. 

Even though the ritual of tearing up books at the end of a school year isn't uncommon in many countries around the world, the video circulating online still raised concerns in the kingdom, with many stating that it reflects faults in the country's educational system. 

Since it began circulating online, the footage sparked debate on social media platforms with thousands expressing their thoughts and calling for reforms to be made to the current curriculum. 

Many believe the incident reflects faults in the current educational system

"Tearing up school books is an uncivilized, revengeful behavior that reflects a flawed educational system." 

"We don't need a board to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, we need research that helps us understand why our students hate their schools so much." 

Others criticized the current curriculum

"Students now know that these books are empty and don't offer answers to their questions... it's therefore their right to tear them up."  


Many are suggesting solutions

"I suggest that the ministry of education pass a new law to help end this phenomenon: not issuing graduation certificates to students unless they return all their school books to administrators."  

"Why not have a recycling plant coordinate with schools to recycle all these books?" 

A few aren't happy with the decision to fire the school's director

"The decision to fire the school's director is unjust, the incident took place off campus. He should raise his case in court."  

"It's the students who should be punished, the school's director has nothing to do with this. It's not his job to watch over them 24/7. The decision to fire him is unjust."  

Some think all the fuss is uncalled for

"Let's be realistic. Yes, tearing up school books isn't right but in the end they're children! One day they'll grow up and understand."