From Chinese Press

Adults unfair to 12-year-old

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-06 07:19

Huang Yibo, 12, has shown special interest in news and politics, which is contrary to the interest of normal children and may have become the butt of jokes for netizens. But there is no reason for adults to make fun of him, says an article in Beijing Times. Excerpts:

A browse through the Internet will show that Huang first appeared in the media in 2009. He was then known as a 10-year-old who cared for senior citizens living in welfare homes but went off the radar after that.

A few days ago, he shot to fame again after a netizen posted his story on a microblog. Thus speculation on the boy is uncalled for.

Society should acknowledge the nature as well as individuality of every child instead of trying to judge its interests. Any attempt to ridicule a child's interests is tantamount to denying it the right to choose his hobbies.

A child should never be treated with disdain. Hence, the criticism adults have directed at Huang until now calls for a serious review.

(China Daily 05/06/2011 page9)