China's long-standing policy of giving children discounts based on their height has once again triggered¹ controversy², with many parents calling for an age-based approach, reports Chinanews.com.

 

中新网报道，中国长久以来根据孩子身高给予票价优惠的政策再次引起争议，许多家长呼吁采用根据年龄给折扣的方法。

 

A recent study by China Youth Daily found that around 60 percent of 1,969 parents surveyed regarded the current approach of providing discounts based on height is unreasonable³. Nearly 70 percent were in favor of an age-based approach.

 

Although policies differ across regions, a National Development and Reform Commission⁴ document from 2012 stipulates⁵ that children less than six years of age or less than 1.2 meters tall don't need a ticket to enter certain public tourist spots, and children 6 to 18 years of age can enjoy half-price access. Public transportation systems across China also apply height-based discounts for children.

 

Some parents argue that because children in China are much taller than children in the past thanks to better nutrition, the old height standard is inappropriate. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential harm that could come from discriminating⁶ against children of the same age because of their different heights.

 

Official data show that from 1992 to 2002, the average height of male children six years of age in China's urban areas increased by 4.9 centimeters. By 2012, the average had increased by a further 3.7 centimeters, to reach an average height of 1.2 meters.

 

Supporters of the height-based policy say that it is more convenient, as checking the age of a child is a time-wasting process.

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