China’s authorities have introduced strict regulations to address internet addiction among children and teenagers

China’s authorities have introduced strict regulations to address internet addiction among children and teenagers. Starting from September 2, individuals under 18 will be prohibited from accessing the internet on their smartphones between 10 pm and 6 am. Additionally, a tiered system will limit mobile usage time, allowing up to 40 minutes per day for children aged eight and under and up to two hours for 16- and 17-year-olds. These measures, proposed by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), are among the world’s most stringent and aim to control and regulate young people’s exposure to smartphones and the internet during specific hours. However, parents can bypass the restrictions if they choose. The CAC hopes the rules will foster positive internet use habits and protect minors from internet addiction. This move builds upon previous efforts to safeguard children online, including providing age-appropriate content and reducing the influence of harmful information. The decision resulted in a drop in the stock prices of major Chinese internet companies, reflecting the ongoing regulatory crackdown on the domestic tech sector by Beijing authorities.