China’s Guidelines for the Construction of Minor Mode of the Mobile Internet

August 3, 2023

In a bid to curb uncontrolled digital addiction among the youth, China’s cyberspace watchdog has proposed groundbreaking guidelines to restrict smartphone usage for children. These guidelines, if adopted, will introduce some of the world’s most stringent regulations for young users of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices.

Age-Based Restrictions: Nurturing Responsible Tech Use

The proposed guidelines categorize children into five age groups: under 3, 3-8, 8-12, 12-16, and 16-18. For children under 3 years old, smartphone usage will be limited to a maximum of 40 minutes per day. Similarly, children aged 3 to 8 will also have a cap of 40 minutes of daily usage. These age-based restrictions aim to strike a balance between embracing technology and safeguarding children’s well-being.

Allowing Limited Access for Older Teens

As children grow older, the guidelines recognize the need for increased digital autonomy. For the 16-18 age group, the proposed allowance extends to two hours of smartphone usage per day. However, a crucial aspect of the minor mode is the prohibition of providing services to minors in this age group from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day, promoting healthier sleep habits and reduced exposure to screens during nighttime.

Parental Involvement and Responsibility

Parents play a vital role in implementing the guidelines effectively. They will be required to sign on and sign off the minor mode for their children, taking an active role in managing their digital experiences. This parental involvement fosters responsible tech use and encourages open communication about digital habits within families.

Addressing Online Gaming Addiction

In 2021, China took significant steps to address online gaming addiction among children. The authorities introduced new rules that restricted online gaming for those under 18 to one hour per day, limited to specific hours on Fridays and the weekend. Additionally, real name registration and identification were enforced for all gamers, ensuring accountability and age verification.

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