Title: China Proposes Measures to Limit Screen Time for Children and Teens to Combat Internet Addiction and Promote Socialist Values
In a bid to tackle the growing issue of internet addiction among young people and promote socialist values, China’s Cyberspace Administration has proposed new measures to limit screen time. These rules, if implemented, would require all mobile devices, apps, and app stores to have a built-in “minor mode” that restricts daily screen time to a maximum of two hours, depending on the age group.
Under the proposed rules, children and teens using devices in minor mode would automatically see online applications close when time limits are reached. They would also be offered age-appropriate content. The restrictions would be even more stringent during nighttime, with no access to screens between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. for anyone under the age of 18 while using the mode.
According to the proposed regulations, children under eight would have a limit of 40 minutes per day, children between eight and 16 would have one hour, and teenagers between 16 and 18 would have two hours. Moreover, all age groups would receive a reminder to rest after using their device for more than 30 minutes.
The announcement has garnered support from some parents who believe these measures will protect their children’s vision and make it easier to control screen time. However, the effectiveness of the proposal will heavily depend on parental buy-in.
China has been increasingly concerned about the negative impacts of excessive screen time, with myopia emerging as a major health concern. The country boasts one of the largest internet user bases, with about 1.07 billion people having access to the web, and approximately one in five users being 19 or younger.
The new measures could pose challenges for tech companies responsible for enforcing the regulations. Shares of Chinese internet firms like Tencent and Bilibili closed lower following the announcement, highlighting concerns regarding the potential impact on the tech industry.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time China has implemented measures to limit screen time for young users. Previous efforts include restrictions on online gaming and the introduction of parental control measures by tech companies. These latest rules align with a larger regulatory crackdown on China’s tech giants.
Some tech companies, such as Douyin and Kuaishou, have already taken steps to limit screen time for young users, showcasing their commitment to supporting these initiatives. Additionally, past efforts have involved requiring internet users to register with their real names and mandating online sites to verify users’ identities before allowing them to submit comments or like posts.
Ultimately, the success of these proposed rules will depend on thorough implementation and cooperation from both parents and tech companies. Only time will tell if they can effectively address internet addiction while nurturing socialist values among China’s youth.
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