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China’s internet regulator has proposed regulations that would require smartphone manufacturers and app developers to include a “minor mode” in their products. The aim of this mode is to limit the amount of time children can spend on their devices and control the content they can access.

The Chinese government has been increasingly focused on regulating children’s online activity, which it believes has negative influences. The proposed regulations would expand these efforts by setting specific limits on screen time and content for young people.

According to the proposal, children under the age of 8 would be limited to 40 minutes of smartphone use per day. This time limit would gradually increase with age, with those aged 16-18 allowed up to two hours of daily use. Additionally, apps would need to tailor their content to different age groups, offering educational and age-appropriate material.

While some smartphones and apps already include features to limit children’s device use, China’s proposal would provide an additional layer of parental control. However, there are technical challenges in implementing these restrictions, as some apps have been found to have inadequate or unusable controls.

It remains unclear how these measures would be enforced, but the proposal reflects parents’ concerns about their children’s smartphone usage. However, there has been mixed reception to the proposal online. Some commend the move, citing the negative influence of unlimited internet access on young people. Others criticize it for being overly strict or failing to address the underlying reasons why children spend so much time on their phones.

China has previously implemented regulations regarding children’s online activities. In 2019, it limited video game playing time for children and later banned minors from livestreaming and paying livestreamers online. These efforts reflect the government’s desire to control and regulate what people see on the internet in the country.

Overall, the proposal for a “minor mode” in smartphones and apps is part of China’s ongoing efforts to restrict children’s screen time and control the content they consume.

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