Chinese regulators have set up an online platform that allows the public to report on gaming companies they believe are violating restrictions on online game times for children. China introduced new rules that limit the amount of time children can spend on video games to three hours a week. China limits under-18s to playing for one hour a day – 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. – on only Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They can also play for an hour, at the same time, on public holidays. An earlier limit allowed 90 minutes on most days.
China’s National Press and Publication Administration set up a platform that enables holders of Chinese ID cards to report violations and furnish proof. The online platform was officially named “reporting platform for gaming companies implementation of anti-addiction regulations” and is currently in trial operations. This new rule aims to combat gaming addiction amongst children.
Teenagers are the future of our motherland. Protecting the physical and mental health of minors is related to the people’s vital interests, and relates to the cultivation of the younger generation in the era of national rejuvenation.
The online platform requires a Chinese ID and mobile phone number to make a report, with incidents grouped under three categories:
- Whether an online game is complying with the requirements for real name registrations by all users
- Whether an online game has implemented the new time limits for players under 18
- Whether an online game has taken steps to prevent teenagers from spending too much on in-game transactions
The regulators are also going to slow down the approvals process for new online games. The authorities ordered the enterprises and platforms to tighten examination of the contents of their games. Obscene and violent content and those breeding unhealthy tendencies, such as money-worship and effeminacy, will be removed.
Other online platforms exist in China for consumer complaints or the reporting of “illegal and harmful” activities online. But it is rare for such a site to focus on specific restrictions within an industry. Regulators say that gaming companies are responsible for enforcing these restrictions via real-name registration systems, which would enable them to limit game time for minors and the amount of money they can spend on these games.
Regulators summoned gaming firms earlier this month and urged them to safeguard children’s mental and physical health. Chinese authorities are seeking to curb influences deemed “unhealthy” for young people, including online gaming.
The campaign is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s push for “national rejuvenation” for a healthier, more powerful nation. The campaign expands government influence over many aspects of life, from the economy and technology to culture, education, religion and society.
China has been supporting the development of technology for children. As reported by OpenGov Asia, Rising demand for at-home study in China is opening the door for the country’s intelligent education hardware market, as sales of intelligent education products continue to heat up.
A China-based education tech giant recently launched its latest technology, which aims to help nurture students’ independent learning habits. The latest gadget leverages full-colour natural light technology and can simulate natural light at any time. Regular two-colour lamps can only adjust colour temperature.
Intelligent education products like e-dictionary pens, robots, educational tablets and smart lights are becoming increasingly popular with students in China, thanks to their use of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to find solutions for the vexing problems of students. According to the Duojing Capital Research Institute, China’s intelligent education hardware market will reach 57 billion yuan ($8.7 billion) in the next two years.
