Home in Mobility: The Emotional Landscape of Migrant Children in Urban China

Abstract

Migrant is a process that exposes individuals, especially children at risks of experiencing mental health issues. This study examines how migrant children in the context of rapid urbanization in China understand and construct the concept of "home," and how this identification affects their personal development and social perceptions. Through this study, we offer a more comprehensive understanding of migrant children’s psychological well-being. To achieve this, we purposefully designed an empirical study, in which we not only surveyed migrant children in Beijing, originating from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds but also analyzed their activities on social media. This study aims to comprehensively understand their living conditions and psychological adaptation patterns in the new environment. The findings reveal the complex and significant role of social media in these children’s lives, serving not only as a connection to their hometowns but also as a platform for personal expression and emotional sharing. This research provides valuable insights into how migrant children construct and maintain family identity amidst change, highlighting potential directions for future research including expanding sample sizes, exploring the social networks and cultural adaptation of migrant children, and the long-term impact of social media on child development.