China announced new laws on Monday that limit the amount of time under the age of 18 may spend playing video games to three hours per week. Claiming the need to combat gaming addiction. The new guidelines lay the burden of execution on the gaming industry, rather than on people, and are not laws in the traditional sense.
Authorities in China, which has the world’s largest video game industry. They have been concerned for years about young people’s addiction to gaming and the internet. Also have set up clinics that mix treatment and military training for individuals with “gaming disorders.”
Is Gaming Really A Disorder?
The National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), which authorizes video game titles, said on Monday that the new restrictions were put into effect in response to rising concerns that video games were negatively impacting children’s physical and mental health.
According to official media, 62.5 percent of Chinese minors play online games often. And 13.2 percent of underage mobile game players play for more than two hours each day on weekdays. In recent weeks, Chinese officials have targeted the private tutoring sector. And what they view as celebrity worship, claiming the need to safeguard children’s safety.
How Will China Stop Them?
Beginning Sept. 1, minors under the age of 18, prohibited from playing online games from Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, they can only perform for one hour, between 8 and 9 p.m.
Online gaming firms must guarantee that real-name verification mechanisms are in place. Also, all titles will ultimately required to link to the NPPA’s anti-addiction system. According to Xinhua, the National People’s Press Agency, the NPPA would enhance the frequency and intensity of inspections of online gaming businesses to guarantee that time limitations are in place.
The regulator is also stepping up steps to punish gaming companies that break the laws and has raised the fines handed out after inspections. Claiming the fact that over 10,000 gaming titles were examined last year. Minors may still use their parents’ accounts to get around the limitations, according to the report. Which also recommended that parents and schools increase oversight.
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