China aims to combat the increasing problem of internet addiction among teenagers by imposing a one-hour daily limit on phone usage.

China aims to combat the increasing problem of internet addiction among teenagers by imposing a one-hour daily limit on phone usage.

China Proposes Regulations for Children’s Smartphone Usage

China’s Cyberspace Administration has recently announced proposed regulations aimed at limiting children’s smartphone usage. These regulations seek to address the growing concern of internet addiction among minors in the country. If these rules become law, teenagers in China may be restricted to using their phones for just one hour a day.

Under the proposed guidelines, no Chinese individual under the age of 18 would be allowed to use a smartphone for more than two hours daily. Furthermore, those between the ages of eight and 16 would be limited to one hour per day, while children under the age of eight would have restricted usage of only 40 minutes daily. The intention is to ensure healthy and balanced screen time for young individuals.

To enforce these restrictions, the regulator suggests that all smartphones come with an easily accessible “minor mode.” This feature aims to prevent children from using their phones between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for educational purposes and emergency services. It also includes guidelines for “exclusive content pools” tailored to different age brackets.

For instance, children under the age of three are recommended to be shown songs and other audio-focused content. Additionally, parents would have the ability to manage and control what their children see on their devices. They would also be able to block or follow users on social media apps, ensuring a safe online environment for their children.

If these regulations are implemented, the Chinese app industry may experience significant impact, particularly for companies like Tencent and ByteDance. These companies, known for their popular social media and entertainment platforms, would need to adapt their products to comply with the new rules and restrictions.

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It is worth noting that China has previously imposed strict limitations on video game usage for children. In 2021, the country restricted children to playing video games for a maximum of three hours per week. Furthermore, during a four-week winter break, elementary school children were only permitted to use Tencent’s gaming platform for a total of 14 hours.

At present, the Cyberspace Administration’s proposed regulations are open for public consultation. This allows stakeholders, including parents, children, and industry representatives, to provide feedback and suggestions regarding the potential impact and feasibility of these restrictions. The authorities aim to strike a balance between protecting children from excessive smartphone usage and promoting a healthy digital lifestyle.

In conclusion, China’s proposed regulations for children’s smartphone usage demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing internet addiction among minors. By setting time limitations and granting parents greater control over content, these regulations seek to create a safer and more balanced online environment for young individuals. As the industry and public provide feedback during the consultation period, the authorities will assess the feasibility and impact of these regulations before implementing them.

• Children
• China
• Smartphones