(ECNS) -- Childcare has become a problem for Beijing parents as a red alert for heavy smog has caused classes to be suspended in the city, China Youth News reported on Tuesday.
Students were forced to stay home and study online when the government issued its second red alert for heavy air pollution. The policy is designed to protect students' heath, but it can also be troublesome for parents.
A Beijing resident whose daughter is in first grade, said that she and her husband were required to work, and that the child's grandparents are not in Beijing. She said she could not ask for the day off because there was an important activity, and her daughter could not go to her father's place of employment either.
"Eventually, I had to ask my friend to take care of my child for the day," she said.
Even though senior students can make use of digital materials and conduct online learning at home, suspending classes is still a headache for some parents.
Another Beijing resident whose son is in fifth grade, said she would prefer her son studied at school even on heavily polluted days, because children often lose discipline at home and might play computer games all day.
"I am really worried if he studies at home, and I am distracted from my work because of this."
Therefore, many parents are rallying to raise funds to install air filters in classrooms, so students can stay in school on smoggy days rather than being forced to study at home.
However, making such a donation to a school does not always run smoothly, with some schools saying it is forbidden because of security issues.
A parent who feels confused about the response of schools, said schools should really consider improving air quality in classrooms if they refuse well-intended donators.
"Children's health is the first priority," the parent added.
