China to use big data to help left-behind children

A big data platform was launched Wednesday to help a special group of Chinese children, known as left-behind children.

China has around 9 million rural children whose parents work away from home, leaving them behind with grandparents, relatives or caregivers.

The platform will include a database covering these children’s personal information, guardianship, psychological and physical conditions, and then match their needs with resources donated by social organizations, companies and individuals.

Service centers will be set up to offer various courses, training and aid, according to a statement issued at the launch ceremony.

Children taking part in the project will receive watches that record their location to prevent them from becoming lost.

The project was jointly launched by the China Children and Teenagers’ Fund and a technology firm related to the country’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.