China Wants to Limit Minors to No More Than Two Hours a Day on Their Phones

In a bid to address internet addiction and instil “good morality” and “socialist values” among minors, China is introducing fresh measures to limit the amount of time children and teenagers spend on their mobile devices. The Cyberspace Administration of China, the country’s top internet regulator, has released a proposal that mandates all mobile devices, apps, and app stores to include a “minor mode” feature. This feature would restrict daily screen time to a maximum of two hours a day, contingent on the user’s age.

The proposed regulations represent an expansion of the existing measures that Beijing has gradually rolled out in recent years, aiming to reduce screen time for children and protect them from “undesirable information.”

If approved, children and teens using devices in minor mode would see online applications automatically close when their respective time limits are reached. They would also be presented with “age-based content.” The draft also stipulates that those under 18 would be prohibited from accessing screens between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when using the minor mode.

Children under eight would be allowed only 40 minutes of phone usage per day, while those aged eight to 16 would get an hour of screen time. Teenagers aged 16 to 18 would be allotted two hours. All age groups would receive reminders to take breaks after using their devices for more than 30 minutes.

Mobile internet service providers are urged to create content that promotes “core socialist values” and fosters a sense of national community. Parents would retain the ability to override time restrictions, and educational and emergency services would be exempt from these limits.

The concept of “internet addiction” has raised significant concerns in China, leading to the emergence of sometimes controversial treatment centres. Many parents cautiously support the proposed measures, as they believe it will protect their children’s eyesight and allow them better control over screen time.

China’s new measures could pose challenges for tech companies, which are expected to enforce these regulations. The proposal’s announcement caused share prices of prominent Chinese tech firms to dip, emphasizing the potential impact on the industry.

These new measures come amid China’s ongoing efforts to tighten regulatory control over its tech giants. The impact and effectiveness of these proposals may hinge on parental buy-in and compliance, as well as the ability of tech companies to implement the required changes.

It’s worth noting that in the past, China has taken steps to regulate online activities among minors, including restrictions on online gaming and the introduction of parental control features in various apps.