China’s Cyberspace Administration has proposed new rules limiting smartphone usage for children under 18 in an effort to address concerns about myopia and internet addiction.
The draft guidelines suggest that children aged 16 to 18 should have a maximum of two hours of smartphone usage per day, while those aged eight to 16 should be limited to one hour. Children under eight would only be allowed eight minutes of smartphone usage.
The proposed rules also call for providers of smart devices to introduce “minor mode” programs that block internet access on mobile devices from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Time limits would also be set for smartphone usage during the day.
While the move is aimed at protecting children’s health and well-being, it has had an impact on Chinese tech firms. Shares in these companies fell after the announcement of the draft guidelines.
The Chinese government has been taking steps to regulate the technology industry, and has previously imposed a curfew for video game players under 18. The latest proposed rules indicate a renewed focus on protecting the younger generation from the potential harmful effects of excessive smartphone usage.
The Cyberspace Administration of China is seeking public feedback on the guidelines until September 2, after which the final rules will be implemented.