China is expanding its regulatory measures to further restrict online gaming time for those under 18, aiming to address growing concerns about dependency among youth.
As the world's largest video game market, with nearly 665 million gamers spending over 278 billion yuan (about 36 billion euros), China faces significant challenges from gaming addiction. Authorities have long been concerned about cyberaddiction's impact on young people.
In 2019, China implemented rules capping minors' playtime at under 90 minutes on weekdays and three hours on weekends, while banning access between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. These already strict measures are set to become even tougher.
Speculation of stricter rules grew after a state-owned newspaper labeled online gaming as "opium for the mind" several weeks ago.
Going forward, online game providers may only serve minors for one hour between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, per Xinhua news agency. All users must now log in with real names, not avatars.
Three years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified gaming disorder in its international disease list under "addictive behavior disorders." This recognition links it to behavioral issues that disrupt social life, family dynamics, studies, and work, enabling medical treatment for affected individuals.
While some experts questioned the evidence comparing it to substance addictions, a recent study confirmed that about 90% of gamers play harmlessly, though a significant minority develop addictions severely impacting their lives.
Moderation is key. Research shows video games offer positives too. "Serious games" may aid neurodegenerative disease treatment, and a Frontiers in Human Neuroscience study found gaming enhances cognitive performance.
For children, benefits include literacy gains. A survey of over 4,600 kids aged 11-16 revealed 80% engaged with gaming media monthly, and 62% wrote weekly about games (blogs or fan fiction). These activities promote cultural sharing, boosting mental health.
