A burglar on the run for two years surrendered to police recently after his 11-year-old son persuaded him to "do the right thing". But it was inappropriate to get a child involved in such affairs, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpts:

The 31-year-old burglar, surnamed Feng, was hiding from police since 2009 until some of his accomplices found him recently. After that, his son was asked by his family to call and persuade him to surrender to police by promising that the years spent behind bars would not ruin their father-son relationship.

On hearing this, Feng broke down and decided to give himself up to police.

Feng's family members may have tried to persuade him to surrender earlier, too, by using similar means. But his son proved more adept at the job. What really made Feng change his mind is the bond with his son.

But an 11-year-old should not have been involved in the case because he is too young to even understand what "give oneself up to police" means and what it entails.

Children too young to understand even the rudimentary aspects of life have to suffer because of the deeds of their parents and elders.

The authorities should take measures to protect children from such situations. Children of criminals suffer great pain by being made to choose between justice and family love. Such a situation can be unbearable even for adults, and society should under no circumstances expose children to such pain.  

The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily 07/28/2011 page9)