Child restraint use higher in Shenzhen than Shantou, survey finds

Researchers surveyed car-owning families with children aged 0–10 years in selected urban districts of Shenzhen and Shantou. The 2023 cross-sectional study assessed CRS ownership and use, caregiver knowledge and attitudes, awareness of national provisions, and reported exposure to traffic-police reminders. Logistic regression, propensity score matching, and analyses using stricter definitions of use were used to assess differences between cities.

CRS ownership was reported by 75.88% of families in Shenzhen and 55.80% in Shantou; corresponding use rates were 63.75% and 43.34%. After adjustment, children in Shantou had lower odds of CRS use than those in Shenzhen (adjusted OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.33–0.53). Children aged 7–10 years also had lower odds of use than those aged 0–3 years (adjusted OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43–0.76). Awareness of national provisions, support for mandatory use, reported police reminders, and greater safety knowledge were positively associated with use.

The findings show differences between the surveyed districts, not necessarily between the cities’ populations overall. The cross-sectional design cannot establish causation, and city-level socioeconomic, transport, and other contextual factors could not be separated. The authors suggest combining clearer policy requirements, enforcement communication, caregiver education, and practical support to improve sustained age-appropriate use.