Analyzing the National Program of Action for Children Development Using Python: Past Trends and Future Directions

• In Event: Education and the impact of digital interventions on children: digital libraries, cultural identity, and future trends

Proposal

Introduction
Children are fundamental to the future of society, and their development is a global priority. The development of Chinese children not only provides essential resources for sustainable development but also is pivotal for establishing a modern socialist nation. Since the publication of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, China has issued the National Program of Action for Children Development every ten years, which guides the direction for child development.
Researchers have utilized qualitative research methods to analyze the National Program of Action for Children Development, yielding significant insights (He Fang, 2023; Yuan Jing, 2019; Yan Xiaojin et al., 2023; Li Baoqiang, 2020). Nonetheless, concerns regarding subjectivity and efficiency have gradually emerged. In recent years, quantitative research methods have been employed in text analysis. Natural language processing technologies like Python have demonstrated considerable potential in this field.
In this study, we employ Python to investigate the National Program of Action for Children Development using Python, integrating the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research methods to uncover insights into policy evaluation and future trends.
Method
The study analyzes the National Program of Action for Children Development in the 1990s (Program 1), the National Program of Action for Children Development (2001-2010 )(Program 2), the National Program of Action for Children Development (2011-2020) (Progam 3), and the National Program of Action for Children Development(2021-2030) (Program 4). Using Python, we segment and clean the policy text, perform word frequency calculations, and generate co-occurrence network graphs.
Result and Discussion
Program 1 underscored the importance of children’s future development, emphasizing survival and development, health and hygiene, compulsory education, and family education. This policy focused on the fundamental well-being of Chinese children. For example, frequency analysis indicated prevalent terms such as "survival", "health" and "education", reflecting primary concerns of the policy in the corresponding period. The co-occurrence network graph revealed a robust emphasis on basic health and survival needs, with interconnected terms such as "infant mortality", "nutrition" and "education", highlighting efforts to improve children's living conditions and educational access.
Concurrent with the transition from exam-oriented to quality education, Program 2 emphasized children’s physical and mental development, education, rights, and evaluation methods. This policy initiated a shift towards prioritizing children's quality of life and rights. Frequency analysis highlighted intensified terms such as "rights", "development" and "evaluation", illustrating a broader policy emphasis on holistic child development and safeguarding. The co-occurrence network graph depicted interconnected terms like "mental health", "legal protection" and "early childhood education", indicating a comprehensive approach to child development.
With the improvement of national strength, welfare policies evolved from targeting specific groups to encompass all children. Program 3 introduced universal services and emphasized comprehensive children’s welfare coverage. This policy extended broader support for children’s rights and services. The co-occurrence network graph depicted closely-linked terms like "welfare", "services" and "universal", highlighting an inclusive child welfare policy. Additionally, the policy included initiatives to support disadvantaged children through subsidies for low-income families and enhanced rural healthcare and education access.
Recognition of the environment’s crucial role in children’s development has grown, particularly in legal and public service contexts. Program 4, guided by child-centered principles, provided clear instructions for children’s pertinent environments. Furthermore, family education delineated from formal education affirmed the irreplaceable roles of family education and parents (Figure 4). This analysis indicated a growing focus on "environment", "legal" and "public services", signifying a more integrated strategy to foster supportive environments for children.
Conclusion
This study employed Python to analyze the National Program of Action for Children Development, revealing key topics and trends through co-occurrence network graphs. As the results demonstrate, the policy for the development of children in China has undergone significant changes due to substantial progress in the country’s society and economy, evolving from basic survival concerns to prioritizing comprehensive development and children's rights protection amidst societal and economic advancements. Moving forward, China will strive to provide a better environment for children, further implementing the concepts of child priority and child-oriented.
Python proved efficient and objective in text analysis, enhancing the accuracy and depth of policy analysis. Natural language processing technology processes large-scale text data and facilitates intuitive content and trend observation through visualization. In the digital era, this technology offers valuable insights into educational policies.

Author

• DAN YU, Osaka University of Comprehensive Children Education