China launches campaigns for rural left-behind children

BEIJING -- China on Wednesday launched a campaign to protect left-behind children in rural areas from Internet security threats.

Co-organized by China's National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications and tech giant Tencent, the campaign named "Bring Internet Security to Classrooms" will run from September to December and cover rural areas in over 10 provincial-level regions.

As of the end of August last year, China had 6.97 million children left at their rural home by parents who worked as migrant workers in cities. In rural areas, access to Internet has been expanded but proper guidance on Internet use for children is lacking.

The campaign was first launched in 2017, offering students lessons on how to protect their personal information and avoid Internet fraud and cyberbullying. More content will be provided this year, including how to distinguish between rumor and fact online.

Also on Wednesday, a summer campaign was launched in Beijing as more than 3,800 college students from around 100 colleges will voluntarily go to rural areas to provide help to children who are left behind or in need.

Jointly held by the All-China Women's Federation, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and two other authorities, the campaign will see students spend time with the children on family education, homework and other activities.

It aims to help solve major problems concerning children during the summer vacation in rural areas, including their custody and safety, and help college students nurture their qualities and develop themselves.