The migration of rural workers to China's rapidly expanding cities is a major phenomenon in China and this study of left-behind children gives insights into its impact on the lives of rural children in China and their families.

This ground breaking work is the result of research by Plan International China and the China Agricultural University on children who have been left behind in their rural villages when their parents migrate to cities in search of work. There has been for many years the acknowledgement that rural migrant workers have been the backbone of the labour force that provides the muscle for the rapid urban growth and development of the cities of China. This study provides the first insights from the perspectives of children themselves on the phenomenon. We now know as a result of this pioneering study that all is not well with children when their parents migrate to the cities in search of work. There are many social and psychological issues facing children that will influence their future because of what is happening to them now when they are without the guidance, love and nurturing of their parents. When evaluating and studying the huge impact of migration in China understanding the situation of Left-behind children offers many valuable lessons.