China Banned Minors from Playing Video Games on Weekdays

We discovered that China is prohibiting online gamers under the age of 18 from playing on weekdays and is limiting their play to just three hours most weekends. As reported in CNN Business, minors will be allowed only an hour of play time between 8 pm and 9 pm on Friday, weekends and public holidays, according to a statement from the Chinese National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA). 

According to Euronews.com, China had already limited the total length of time kids could access online games to three hours a day during holidays and 1.5 hours on other days. Gaming companies in China restrict gaming outside those hours by using real name verification systems that require a user's official ID to log in.

In a Wall Street Journal article, the author questioned if the new Chinese restrictions might be a welcome relief for some U.S. parents who anticipate nightly battles with their children over homework versus video games. This school year’s battle may be intensified by the pandemic and increased screen time. In a survey conducted by Digital Wellness Lab, parents report children are using more screen time this year compared to last. 

China is limiting the gaming use by children to help prevent children from becoming addicted to video games. Studies from the U.S. have also shown that children are happier when video game time is limited. At least one study has found kids who spent six-plus hours a day gaming reported being the least happy. The ones who said they were happiest had more in-person interaction, and spent fewer than three hours a day gaming.