The number of newborns in Taiwan will see an increase from 160,000 in 2010 to 190,000 this year, the highest figure in recent years, ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said Nov. 19 at the country’s first national children’s forum.
“The low birth rate is a serious national security threat,” Ma said, adding that the government has implemented a number of policies to encourage young couples to have children, such as maternity leave subsidies and financial support for preschool education for 5-year-olds.
Other issues discussed at the forum included Internet security and combating cyber bullying by publicizing correct Internet morals and helping youths understand the psychological damage victims may experience after being bullied, as well as the legal responsibilities involved.
On the educational front, youth participants at the event called on the government to respect indigenous cultures while improving the quality of education at schools located in aboriginal areas.
In addition, participants suggested that the government pay special attention to the training of pediatricians and encourage the establishment of national-level children’s hospitals and research institutions.
The children’s forum, which ran Nov. 19 to 20, was co-hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Taipei-based Child Welfare League Foundation. Twenty-one child and youth representatives from around the nation joined government officials including Premier Wu Den-yih and MOI Minister Jiang Yi-huah, as well as scholars and representatives of private organizations, at the event. (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw