Videos of children going to and from school using delivery apps have recently been posted on Chinese social media.
Meituan, a Chinese delivery platform, has an errand function that quickly brings important documents, medicine, and other items such as cakes. People are not eligible for delivery.
However, some parents have begun to use the service to go to and from school for their children. This is because the identity of the delivery person on the platform is guaranteed so that it is safe and the child’s travel route can be checked in real time.
Chinese media Chang Zhang Lebao used Meituan to apply for the service, saying, “Send the child to school for supplementary lessons.” A delivery man was assigned within three minutes. The reporter received a phone call from the delivery man asking, “It is scheduled to arrive in six minutes. Is the child ready?” The fare was 12 yuan.
An elementary school security office employee interviewed by the media said, “I sometimes see delivery riders pick up and drop off students,” but said it was extremely rare.
Internet users pointed out, “Do you not think about the safety of your children when delivery workers will rush to receive your next order?” and “Can it be annoying for your child to go to and from school?”
On the other hand, some responded, “In the case of double-income couples, there are cases where it can’t be helped,” and “Parents save time and energy, and delivery workers can make more money and it’s good for each other.”
SOPHIA KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
