In a move to address growing concerns about internet addiction and myopia among young people, China’s cyberspace regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has proposed a new set of guidelines limiting smartphone usage for children under the age of 18. The new rules aim to restrict screen time and promote healthier digital habits among the youth.
However, the announcement has had a significant impact on Chinese tech companies, with shares tumbling in response to the proposed restrictions. In this article, we will delve into the details of the new phone time rule and its potential implications for both tech companies and the younger generation.
Table of Contents
The New Phone Time Rule
The CAC’s proposed guidelines state that children under the age of 18 should be limited to a maximum of two hours of smartphone usage per day. Additionally, the regulator wants providers of smart devices to implement “minor mode” programs that would block users under 18 from accessing the internet on their mobile devices from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. These measures are designed to curb excessive screen time, especially during late hours when it could potentially interfere with sleep patterns.
The proposed time limits for different age groups are as follows:
– Users aged 16 to 18: Two hours per day
– Children aged 8 to 16: One hour per day
– Children under 8: Eight minutes per day
Notably, the CAC acknowledges that parents should have the option to opt out of the time limits for their children. This provision aims to respect parental authority while still encouraging responsible smartphone usage for young users.
Impact on Tech Companies
Upon the release of the draft guidelines, shares of several Chinese tech firms experienced a significant decline in the Hong Kong stock market. Companies such as Bilibili and Kuaishou saw their shares fall by 6.98% and 3.53%, respectively, while Tencent Holdings, the operator of the popular social network app WeChat, closed 2.99% lower. The new regulations present considerable challenges for internet companies, requiring them to invest considerable effort and incur additional costs to implement the necessary changes.
Xia Hailong, a lawyer at the Shanghai Shenlun law firm, noted that complying with the new regulatory requirements would be complex and costly for internet companies. He predicted that many companies may even consider outright prohibiting minors from using their services to avoid potential compliance issues.
Addressing Internet Addiction and Myopia
The Chinese government’s growing concern about internet addiction and myopia among young people has been evident in recent years. In 2021, authorities imposed a curfew on video game playing for individuals under the age of 18. This move dealt a significant blow to gaming giants like Tencent, forcing them to adapt their business strategies to comply with the regulations.
Additionally, video-sharing platforms such as Bilibili, Kuaishou, and ByteDance (the company behind TikTok) have already taken steps to address these concerns. Since 2019, these platforms have offered “teenage modes” that limit access to certain content and restrict usage duration for younger users. ByteDance’s Douyin app, similar to TikTok, specifically limits teenagers to using the app for no more than 40 minutes a day.
The Future of China’s Tech Industry
The proposed phone time rule comes at a time when Beijing has signalled the end of a years-long regulatory crackdown on China’s technology industry. While the authorities have expressed their intention to support the development of tech giants, the new guidelines show that the government remains committed to promoting responsible technology use, especially among the youth.
Conclusion
China’s new phone time rule for kids is a significant step in addressing concerns about internet addiction and myopia among young people. By setting time limits on smartphone usage for children under 18, the Cyberspace Administration of China aims to promote healthier digital habits and protect the well-being of the younger generation.
However, the proposed guidelines have also raised challenges for tech companies, which may need to adapt their services to comply with the new regulations. The future of China’s tech industry will depend on finding a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring responsible technology use. As the proposed rules are open to public feedback until September 2, 2024, it remains to be seen how they will evolve and be implemented in practice.
