Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Video game addiction: China imposes gaming
curfew for minors
Gaming addiction or gaming disorder is
regarded as a mental health condition by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Young children are so vulnerable to this addictive pleasure and excitement that
many of them spend hours every day. When they are addicted, they lose interest
in other activities including talking with their family members, playing with
friends, or even watching TV, not to mention studying or doing homework.
China has more gamers than any other country in
the world. The government has been concerned about the health and mental effects of
gaming and issued restrictions and regulations on gaming. In fact, it has the
world’s most stringent approval processes for video games to maintain control
over online content that is considered undesirable such as sexuality, violence, and politics.
Now, a new curfew has just been imposed to curb
video game addiction. Children under 18 are not allowed to play online games
after 10:00pm until 8:00am, the time they are supposed to be in bed and preparing
for school. Also, monthly spending on games is limited to 200 yuan, approximately
$70, to those under 16 years old. Gamers are now required to prove their age
and identity to gaming platforms.
Whether these new measures are too strict or violate
privacy, some parents are putting similar restrictions on their children. It
seems that the government is doing what parents are supposed but reluctant to do.
But how strictly can they enforce such restrictions?
Enjoy reading the article and learn about
China’s decisive move to curb gaming addiction.
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