Age not height should clarify who’s still a kid

IT IS COMMON for children under a certain height to be able to use public transport and other public services for free. However, this practice is outdated because Chinese children enjoy better nutrition today. Gmw.cn comments:

In the past children did not get an ID card until they reached the age of 18. As a result, many children did not carry anything with them that could prove their age, and it was hard to judge children’s ages based on their appearances.

Many park and bus management companies solved the problem by introducing the height standard, namely granting children under certain heights ticket exemptions. It was much easier to apply because all the ticket checkers needed to do was install a fixed ruler at a checkpoint.

Most of the standards were made in the 1980s or earlier. Children now enjoy much better nutrition and grow much faster than before. That in turn causes social injustice because the Minor Protection Law clearly states that “Every minor should enjoy legal rights equally”. It is time to amend the policy to ensure the law is fairly implemented.

It is quite easy today for ticket checkpoints to check a child’s age. Children today have ID cards, school cards, as well as other cards, all of which are registered with their birth dates. Public service institutions should accept such cards as valid evidences of a child’s age.

Besides, the concept of “children” should be extended to “all minors”, namely all citizens under 18. Those above the age of 14 and still under 18 should also enjoy the social welfare.