Over the past few weeks, pro-democracy protests have spread across China. The protests are between the Chinese government and Chinese citizens who are frustrated with the government trying to introduce Chinese history lessons into the public school systems. Protesters view the proposed history lessons as "brainwashing" children in public schools with "pro-Beijing teaching materials." Other Chinese citizens believe the government has failed in education reform throughout the country.
The public is also divided over whether children should be allowed at the protests because of safety concerns. In the city of Mong Kok, children were used as a human shield between protesters and police. After this incident, parents were warned not to take their children to protests because of the violence. Some Chinese citizens sided with the police, saying children should not be at the debate because they are too young to understand the political reasons behind the protests. Also, since protesting is illegal, the protesters should not encourage children to follow their actions. Other Chinese citizens believe having children at the protests and debates would introduce children to politics and have them get an introduction in democracy.
While it is encouraging to see pro-democracy protests happening in China, the safety of the children at the protests concerns me greatly. I find it despicable that children were used as a human shield in order to protect the protesters from police. I side with the Chinese who feel children should not be allowed at the protests because they are too young to understand what is happening around them. In addition, children can easily be hurt or even killed in the violence. While some parents may have good intentions of bringing their children to introduce them to democracy, it is incredibly unsafe. Children at this age can not comprehend why people are angry at the government and why police are hurting people who do not follow orders. I hope more parents realize the negative impact that having children at the protests can have.
