Opinion | West is getting on the same page as China for children’s social media use
Governments face the same problem: how to let young people grow up in a connected world, around products not designed with their well-being in mind
China’s National Press and Publication Administration introduced gaming regulations for under 18s in 2019, including a curfew and daily playing time limits of 90 minutes on weekdays and three hours at weekends and on public holidays. When the authorities tightened the rules in 2021, some Western media characterised the measures as draconian and a textbook example of state overreach.
Since then, the regulation of minors’ online activity has attracted wider attention as more governments grapple with the effects of social media.
Advocates worldwide warn that unrestricted smartphone use during the school day hampers both learning and well-being. Teachers report that personal devices distract students from lessons, with notifications and apps encouraging constant task switching rather than engagement.
Research studies link heavy social media use among adolescents to elevated risks of cyberbullying, social comparison and disrupted sleep patterns. These factors are associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts and self-harm.