Eight students who ran away from their homes in southwestern China because of pressure they faced at home and at school have been found safe, police in Chongqing’s Qianjiang District announced Tuesday.

At around noon on Sunday, a couple had reported their daughter missing after she hadn’t come home for 24 hours. According to police, the girl had run away with seven of her schoolmates: Fed-up with their parents’ nagging and their mediocre grades, the group had decided to leave home in search of jobs. The students’ ages were not disclosed.

Striving to stand out among their many peers can be a source of frustration for many Chinese young people. Last year, an education think tank found that domestic disputes and academic pressure were the leading causes of suicides and attempted suicides in children and teens aged 8 to 17.

According to the district government’s statement, local police have also called on both parents and the wider community to improve communication with young people and be more attentive to their mental health. (Image: VCG)