Chinese children that are left home by their parents working at other places need more concern, said Christian Voumard, the representative with UNICEF office for Chinaat a National Seminar on Migrant Children held here Friday.

"There are reports say that only a small fraction of migrant rural workers can afford to take their children with them to wherethey work," Voumard said.

"Problems related to the security, education, physical and emotional care of these children who are normally in the care of their aging grand parents or relatives is becoming an increasing issue of concern."

Statistics from China social survey institution shows that 76 percent children like to move together with their parents, 50 percent prefer keeping secrets of their own instead of telling others.

However, no investigation has been done about the exact number of these "left-behind" children so far.

"Millions of left-behind children in China are facing various problems, they are vulnerable to outside threats and injuries without parents' timely protection, moreover, they themselves are likely to behave improperly, even breaking laws," said Yang Jin, an official with China's Ministry of Education.

In June this year, a left-behind girl in Central China's Hubei Province was strangled by her grandma after a quarrel. The old granny said she has no more patience and energy to bring her up.

Wang Xuejun, the local policeman took charge of the case, said in recent years, the number of left-behind children involving in cases such as suicide, drowning and rape are climbing, especially in rural areas.

Some provinces have started establishing supervision system for the left-behind children and holding training classes for adults who take care of these children.

"UNICEF is considering the support of a study on the situation of these children." said Gnilane Senghor, an official with UNICEF. "Only after we know the actual situation, are we able to come up with effective measures to help them."

Source: Xinhua