Looks like China is trying its best to control their children’s video game addiction by implementing stricter rules on how long they can play every week.
The country’s news agency Xinhua reported on Monday, August 30, that the National Press and Publication Administration mandated that all companies must only allow youth under the age of 18 to access their online games for a one-hour window from 8 PM to 9 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and also on national holidays.
Apart from the time limit, the agency also compelled players to use their real names and present government-issued identification documents when signing into online games.
“Teenagers are the future of our motherland,” an unnamed NPPA spokesperson told Xinhua. “Protecting the physical and mental health of minors is related to the people’s vital interests and relates to the cultivation of the younger generation in the era of national rejuvenation.”
This isn’t the first time that China put restrictions on video gaming among minors. Back in 2019, minors were only allowed to play for 1.5 hours every day and 3 hours during national holidays.
The country expressed hope that these regulations will curb the youth’s gaming addiction that the nation is convinced is what’s distracting them from effectively performing their duties and responsibilities in school and at home.
(ALSO READ: Man Allegedly Loses Eyesight After Playing Mobile Games All Night)
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