Notice calling for a halt to minors participating in food delivery services sparks debate

A recent online notice calling for a halt to minors participating in food delivery services, which was issued by the Huaqiangbei Subdistrict Office in Shenzhen's Futian district, has sparked heated discussions online, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

The notice was addressed to local merchants and property managers on Monday, urging that children should no longer be involved in the food delivery activities in the district.

The measure followed reports that during the summer vacation, students from primary school to secondary school are earning their pocket money by assisting couriers deliver meals inside the buildings. Most of them are children of those merchants and property staff members in the area.

With support from adults, the teenagers earned around one yuan ($0.14) for each delivery. In some cases, they were seen crowding around delivery riders to compete for orders.

Though some parents encouraged this activity to foster their children's independence and reduce screen time, there are some safety hazards and possible legal consequences, the notice warned.

Besides, the subdistrict office has talked with food delivery platforms, requiring them to ban the use of minors in any delivery-related tasks within the area.

To provide safer alternatives for children's summer break, the subdistrict office promoted free full-day childcare services, hobby classes, and extended library hours through its local community centers.

Online discussions have been hot over the issue, with netizens' opinions divided.

Some praised that it is a meaningful form of social practice, giving children a real-world experience and satisfying their needs. Others voiced concerns over traffic hazards and legal issues.

Legal experts cautioned that using children for delivery services could constitute illegal use of child labor under Chinese law, potentially exposing delivery riders and platforms to liability, Beijing Youth Daily reported.