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China's Proposed Internet Usage Limits for Children Welcomed by Global Experts
China's cyberspace regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has proposed new rules that would limit the screen time of children aged under 18 years old. The rules would also restrict internet access to certain websites and apps.
The proposed rules have been welcomed by global experts, who say that they are a necessary step to address the growing problem of internet addiction among children.
"This is a positive step by the Chinese government," said Dr. Michael Rich, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Harvard University. "Too many children are spending too much time on their phones and computers, and it's having a negative impact on their physical and mental health."
Rich said that the proposed rules are "realistic and achievable," and that they will help to ensure that children have a healthy balance between screen time and other activities, such as playing outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
The proposed rules would limit children under the age of 8 to 40 minutes of screen time per day, children aged 8 to 16 to one hour per day, and teenagers aged 16 to 18 to two hours per day. The rules would also ban children from using the internet between 10pm and 6am.
In addition, the proposed rules would require internet service providers to offer "minor mode" programs that would allow parents to restrict their children's access to certain websites and apps.
The proposed rules are still in draft form, and they are subject to public comment until September 2. However, they are expected to be approved by the Chinese government in the coming months.
The proposed rules are a significant step forward in China's efforts to address the problem of internet addiction among children. They are also a sign that the Chinese government is taking the issue seriously.
It is hoped that the proposed rules will help to create a healthier environment for children in China, and that they will help to prevent the development of serious problems, such as depression and anxiety, that can be caused by excessive screen time.
