China Cracks Down on Excessive Phone Use: New Regulations Target Children and Teens to Foster Morality and Protect Vision

China is planning to introduce new regulations to curb excessive phone usage among children and teenagers. The proposed rules, released by the Cyberspace Administration of China, suggest the implementation of a "minor mode" in all mobile devices, apps, and app stores. This mode would limit daily screen time to a maximum of two hours per day, depending on the age group.

The move aims to foster good morality and socialist values among young people. If approved, these measures would build on existing efforts to limit screen time and protect children from harmful content. Under the proposed rules, mobile applications would automatically close for children and teens using the minor mode once their time limits are reached.

They would also receive age-appropriate content. One crucial aspect of the proposal is that individuals under 18 years old would be prohibited from accessing their screens between 10 pm and 6 am while using the minor mode.

The suggested daily screen time limits for children are 40 minutes for those under eight, one hour for those aged eight to 16, and two hours for those between 16 and 18. All users would receive a reminder to rest after using their device for more than 30 minutes.

In addition to screen time restrictions, mobile internet service providers would be called upon to create content that disseminates core socialist values and fosters a sense of community. These measures reflect the Chinese government's ongoing efforts to strike a balance between modern technology use and safeguarding the well-being of the young population.

These proposals come as myopia, or nearsightedness, has become a national health concern in China, which some experts have linked to lack of exposure to sunlight and excess screen time. If passed, the new rules could disrupt the mobile landscape in China, which has one of the world's largest internet user bases.

Parents in China are largely supportive of these measures, citing the need to protect their children's vision and the positive and healthy content available in the minor mode. However, it remains a topic of debate whether excessive screen time has negative effects on children's physical and mental health. While some studies have found links between screen time and issues like obesity, depression, and behavioral problems, the extent of causality is still unclear.