What is the Gaming Limit in China for Kids?

The gaming limit in China for kids is set at only one hour a day, and only on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays, as imposed by the Chinese authorities in 2021, aiming to curb internet addiction and ensure a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of life. This restriction is part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to regulate online gaming and protect the mental and physical health of minors, with different time limits applied based on the child’s age, such as 40 minutes per day for those under eight years old.

Understanding the Gaming Limit in China

Background

The Chinese government has been implementing various measures to control the amount of time kids spend playing video games. In 2019, authorities restricted minors to playing 90 minutes a day on weekdays and banned them from playing between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.. However, in 2021, they issued even harsher restrictions, limiting minors to only one hour a day and only on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays.

Impact

These restrictions have significantly impacted the gaming industry, with companies like Tencent forced to adapt to the new regulations. The total time under-18s spent on Tencent’s games had plunged 92% after the implementation of the new rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions

1. What is the gaming limit for kids in China?: The gaming limit for kids in China is only one hour a day, and only on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays.
2. Why did China impose gaming limits on kids?: China imposed gaming limits on kids to curb internet addiction and ensure a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of life.
3. How long can Chinese kids play video games?: Chinese kids can play video games for only one hour a day, and only on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays.

Age-Based Restrictions

4. What are the internet restrictions for kids in China based on age?: The regulator will introduce a graduated system where young people have different amounts of internet access depending on their age, with 40 minutes per day for those under eight years old and a maximum of two hours access per day for those between 16 and 18 years old.
5. How long can kids over 6 years old play video games?: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids over 6 years old should play video games for no more than 60 minutes on school days and 2 hours on non-school days.

Gaming Industry and Regulations

6. Is Roblox available in China?: No, Roblox is not available in China due to government restrictions, but users can access it using a reputable VPN.
7. What happens if you have 3 kids in China?: Families in China can now have as many children as they like without facing fines or other consequences.
8. Does China still have a child restriction?: The Chinese government has relaxed its child restriction policies, allowing women to have up to three children.

Gaming Limitations and Health

9. Why is China so strict on video games?: China is strict! on video games to fight internet addiction and ensure a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of life.
10. What is the 3-hour gaming limit in China?: The regulations restricted playing online video games to 8-9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, for a total of 3 hours per week only in that time slot, for all youth under the age of 18.

International Comparisons

11. Is Google banned in China?: Yes, Google is one of many websites blocked in China.
12. Are VPNs illegal in China?: Using a VPN in China is not officially illegal, but many VPN services are banned, and the government often threatens to block VPNs altogether.

Parental Guidance and Game Ratings

13. Can a 12-year-old play GTA 5?: No, GTA 5 is an adult action game with gang violence, nudity, coarse language, and drug and alcohol abuse, making it unsuitable for children.
14. Can a 14-year-old play T-rated games?: Yes, games rated “T” (for “Teens ages 13 and up”) are a good compromise, as they do not contain the same level of mature content as M-rated games.

Access to Online Platforms

15. Is TikTok banned in China?: No, TikTok is not banned in China, but it is available under a different name, Douyin, which is the Chinese version of the app, with limited access for children under 14 years old.