Chinese authorities have introduced new regulations to curb internet addiction among the country’s youth. Starting on September 2nd, individuals under the age of 18 will be prohibited from accessing the internet on their mobile devices between 10 pm and 6 am. In addition, a tiered system will be implemented for managing smartphone usage time, with younger children limited to a maximum of 40 minutes per day, while older teenagers will be allowed up to two hours.
Considered some of the strictest rules in the world, these regulations aim to promote the positive aspects of the internet, create a favorable online environment, address internet addiction problems among minors, and encourage healthy internet habits. While parents have the option to opt-out of these restrictions, they reflect the Chinese government’s concerns over the potential risks associated with excessive smartphone and internet use among young people.
The move by Beijing authorities builds upon previous efforts to protect minors from the negative effects of digital technology. In 2021, China implemented gaming time limits for children and halted the approval of new games for nine months to combat addiction. These measures had a significant impact on companies like Tencent, a major player in the gaming industry. The recent decision to restrict smartphone and internet use for young people indicates that the regulatory crackdown on domestic tech giants is ongoing.
Though critics argue that these measures infringe on personal freedom and impede technological development, supporters believe they are necessary to safeguard the well-being of young people. The internet has become increasingly integral to society, and a balance must be struck between its benefits and potential risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like youth. These regulations aim to achieve that balance and promote healthier internet habits among Chinese youth.
It remains to be seen how effective these regulations will be in combating internet addiction. However, by taking a proactive approach, China is prioritizing the protection of its young population from the potential harms of excessive smartphone and internet use.
Useful links:
1. BBC: China introduces strict new measures to combat internet addiction in youth
2. Nikkei Asia: China intensifies crackdown on technology giants in education sector
