China Proposes ‘Minor Mode’ to Regulate Children’s Smartphone Use and Content

China’s internet regulator has proposed new regulations aimed at limiting children’s smartphone usage. The proposal would require smartphones, apps, and app stores to incorporate a “minor mode” that restricts the amount of time children can spend on their phones and the content they can access. The aim is to combat “internet addiction” and regulate children’s online activity that is deemed to be negative. The proposed regulations would limit children under the age of eight to 40 minutes of smartphone time per day, with the time limit increasing with age. Apps would also need to tailor their content for different age groups. The proposal is open for public comment and reflects the Chinese government’s efforts to manage children’s media consumption. However, there are concerns about who will determine what constitutes appropriate content for different age groups. Some smartphones and apps already offer features to limit children’s usage, and the proposed regulations would provide an additional layer of parental control. The proposal builds on a 2019 directive that required video and livestreaming apps to create “anti-addiction systems for young people.” While the proposal has received mixed reactions online, with some commending the move and others criticizing it for being overly strict, it reflects parents’ concerns about their children’s smartphone use. China has previously implemented restrictions on video game usage and livestreaming by children.

What are the main goals of China’s new regulations on smartphone usage among children?

China’s internet regulator has put forward new regulations aimed at curbing excessive smartphone usage among children. The proposal suggests that smartphones, apps, and app stores include a “minor mode” to restrict the duration of children’s phone usage and control the content they can access. The ultimate goal is to combat “internet addiction” and regulate harmful online activities among children. According to the proposed regulations, children below the age of eight would be limited to 40 minutes of smartphone time per day, with the time allowance gradually increasing as they grow older. Additionally, apps would be required to customize their content to cater to different age groups.

The proposal is currently open for public feedback and highlights the Chinese government’s ongoing efforts to manage children’s media consumption. However, concerns have been raised regarding the authority responsible for determining what constitutes appropriate content for different age brackets. While certain smartphones and apps already offer features that limit children’s usage, the proposed regulations would add an extra layer of parental control.

This proposal expands on a 2019 directive that mandated video and livestreaming apps to implement “anti-addiction systems for young people.” The reaction to the current proposal has been mixed, with some applauding the initiative while others criticize it for being excessively stringent. Nevertheless, the move does demonstrate parents’ worries regarding their children’s smartphone usage. China has previously imposed restrictions on video game usage and livestreaming activities among children.