Zhou Shihao, 17, from Shanghai Yichuan High School, was shocked by the statistics he had found.he was looking into the use of handheld cellphones by drivers, he found that more than 30% of them reached for their phones on the road.
"Any use of handheld devices(设备) should(firm)be forbidden while driving," said Zhou. "It's not a daily chore, but a serious social issue."
The teenager's concerns led to his drafting a proposal on this issue – something he did together with five other schoolmates in the Mock Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference competition in the Putuo District of Shanghai.
Zhou and his schoolmates were not alone. In January, many Shanghai youngsters, even elementary school students, took part in Mock CPPCC competitions (hold) in their local districts and handed in proposals on issues ranging from network security and the future city to the protection of(tradition) culture.
"The competition really encourages us students to focus on social issues and play an active roletaking responsibility for our country," said Zhang Simin, 17, from Shanghai Nanyang High School.
The senior student used to think that the handling of state affairs was just for politicians. But thinking on the "3:30 problem" changed her mind.
Kids usually finish school at 3:30. However, most parents work until 6:00, (make) it hard for them to pick kids up. "This is a problem we've all been through," said Zhang.
To help students, Zhang's school(invite) deputies (代表) to the National People's Congress to give students instruction.
"Thanks to the deputies, we finally understand it's not who is to blame that(matter), but finding the best solution," said Zhang.
"The competition aims to encourage a sense of citizenship among China's post-00s generation," said Xia Jing, a teacher from Shanghai Jinyuan Senior High School. "Through this channel, students can let their(voice) be heard."
