Ding Shizhong, NPC deputy and board chairman of Anta (China) Co Ltd, proposed to improve the care and support mechanism for left-behind children in China at the second session of the 12th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) running from March 3 to 12.

Ding also suggested the nation gradually eliminate the household registration (hukou) system that puts restrictions on the free migration of rural residents. The country should also have an information system, including information about left-behind children, including their parents and temporary guardians.

"Left-behind teenagers are faced with a critical period of personal development, but lack education and guidance from parents, which may lead to serious problems in values and life, and even serious crime," said Ding Shizhong. "The government needs to adopt preferential policies for left-behind children whose parents are divorced, work away from home, or face exceptional financial difficulty," Ding added.

By Lu Ting from China Daily Fujian Bureau, and Zhao Qian

Edited by Michael Thai