Table of Contents
Introduction
Short video app TikTok’s Chinese version Douyin has announced that it will be limiting the usage time of users under the age 14 years to 40 minutes per day in China. The TikTok parent company ByteDance said in its blog post published on Saturday, 18th September, that the company has taken this decision in line with the new restrictions on access to video games for children imposed by the Chinese government.
Chinese users who are under 14 won’t be able to access certain modes of entertainment except for the set duration allowed by the Chinese government. Meaning, these restrictions won’t be imposed just on Douyin but on video games as well.
TikTok’s restriction on Chinese under 14 year old’s
Following the rule imposed by the Chinese government, Douyin’s “youth mode” will allow teens under the age 14 to use the app only between 6 AM and 10 PM. They won’t be able to use the app apart from these hours.
The company said that the rules will be applicable to real-name authenticated users that are under 14. ByteDance and Douyin will encourage parents to complete their children’s real-name authentication process and activate youth mode as and when prompted by the app.
ByteDance also mentions that its youth mode will include more educational content with interesting facts and science experiments to mend their interests in studies. This will be done by its new youth-focused version on Douyin.
It is called ‘Xiao Qu Xing’ (Little Fun Star) and through its algorithm, the app will promote and prioritize educational videos. Moreover, it will allow users to ‘like’ but not create and upload their own clips.
See Also: TikTok-owner company ByteDance acquires VR startup Pico
Chinese government’s rules for citizens under 18
On August 30th 2021, China imposed a rule that restricts people under 18 from playing video games for over 3 hours per week. This stringent social intervention was rolled out in order to regulate the uncontrollably increasing addiction of gaming in young adults.
The restrictions imposed by the Chinese government will apply to devices including mobile phones, personal computers and tablets. The move is a strong blow to the gaming industry that targets millions of young players in what is considered the most lucrative market in the world.
People that are under 18 will be allowed to play video games for not-more-than 1 hour a day between 8 PM to 9 PM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The under 18s can also play their favorite video games for 60 minutes on public holidays (at the same time).
The new strict rules are from the NPPA (National Press and Publication Administration regulator. The rules coincide with a larger clampdown by Beijing against tech titans of China, like Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings.
Video gaming studios and companies will be barred from providing their services to minors in any form apart from the hours stipulated. The watchdog that regulates China’s video games market said that the companies are also expected to ensure they’ve put in place a proper real-name verification system.
A spokesperson from the NPPA said that teenagers are the future of their motherland China and protecting the health (physical and mental) of minors is in line with the vital interests of people and cultivation of the young people in the era of national rejuvenation.
Conclusion
The recent measures by ByteDance and the Chinese government to limit screen time for children reflect a growing concern about the impact of excessive screen time and gaming on young users. By restricting access to Douyin and video games, China aims to protect the mental and physical health of minors while promoting more educational content. This move is part of a broader initiative to regulate the tech industry and ensure a healthier digital environment for future generations. As these policies unfold, they may have significant implications for how digital platforms and gaming companies operate in China and beyond. For more latest IT news and updates, keep reading iTMunch!
FAQs
- Why is Douyin limiting usage for users under 14 years old?
Douyin is limiting usage for users under 14 years old in response to new government regulations in China that aim to reduce the impact of excessive screen time on minors. This is part of a broader initiative to protect children’s physical and mental health. - What is the maximum screen time allowed for users under 14 on Douyin?
Users under 14 will only be able to access Douyin for up to 40 minutes per day. Additionally, they can only use the app between 6 AM and 10 PM. - What is “youth mode” on Douyin?
Youth mode is a feature on Douyin that limits the amount of time children under 14 can spend on the platform. It also includes educational content, promoting learning activities like science experiments and interesting facts. - Will parents have to verify their children’s age for Douyin’s youth mode?
Yes, parents are encouraged to complete their children’s real-name authentication process and activate youth mode as prompted by the app. - What other restrictions have been imposed by the Chinese government for minors?
In addition to the restrictions on Douyin, the Chinese government has limited video game usage for minors. They are allowed to play video games for only 1 hour per day on weekends and public holidays, with the total weekly screen time not exceeding 3 hours. - What is the reasoning behind China’s restrictions on video games and apps for minors?
The Chinese government aims to protect the health of minors by reducing screen time and promoting a healthier balance of activities. The rules are designed to combat gaming addiction and encourage children to focus more on education and physical activity.
