Children In China Can Only Play Video Games During These Three Hours Each Week

Young gamers better make the most of their weekends. 🕹

Children In China Can Only Play Online Games For 3 Hours Per Week
Niccolo Pontigia | Dreamstime
Staff Writer

Young gamers in China are about to be banned from playing online games for more than three hours a week.

According to a news release from The National Press and Publication Administration, those under 18 can only play online games between 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays starting September 1.

The new rules are a major step up from a previous restriction set for minors in 2019, limiting their game time to 1.5 hours per day and three hours on public holidays.

The new regulations will likely impact some of China's largest technology companies, including gaming giant Tencent.

According to the news release, all online gaming companies must strictly implement real-name registration and login requirements for all their online user accounts. NPPA regulators also said they will be strengthening supervision and the frequency of inspections for online gaming companies.

In the news release, regulators said the crackdown on the technology sector is in an effort to protect the physical and mental health of minors as online games continue to be a prominent problem in the country.

video games
GlobalNews
  • Emily Silva
    Emily Silva was a Vancouver-based Associate Editor at Narcity Canada. She worked on the Trending Desk covering everything from what's trending across the country to what's happening near you. Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, Emily recently switched things up by making a move to the West coast. For the past four years Emily worked as an assignment reporter and writer at CTV News Kitchener. She also held previous roles at MuchMusic and Rogers TV. Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University with a minor in Sociology.

Calls to ban AI & social media for youth are growing in BC after Tumbler Ridge shooting

The 18-year-old shooter was banned on ChatGPT due to violent queries.

Government of Canada jobs for students are open and you can make up to $38 an hour

Recruitment for the FSWEP is year-round!

BC is getting rid of time changes and the last spring forward is this weekend

The province will soon be on daylight saving time permanently.

A new Canadian bill would make it easier for police & CSIS to access your online data

The government says existing laws haven't kept pace with changes in technology.

Jennifer Pan pleads guilty to manslaughter in a major update to the 16-year-old case

The shocking killing was the subject of a recent Netflix documentary.

This lakeside city near Toronto was named Canada's 2nd best place to live in 2026

Thinking about relocating?

The happiest countries for 2026 were revealed and the US beat Canada for the first time ever

It's Canada's lowest ranking since the report was launched in 2012.

Pierre Poilievre is appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast to 'fight for Canadian interests'

The episode is set to air on Thursday afternoon.

Here's what your Toronto neighbourhood says about your personality — sorry King West

Warning: you may feel personally attacked!

Canada Pension Plan payments for March go out soon and the average amount is over $800

Look for a direct deposit in your bank account or a cheque in your mailbox.

This Canadian airport was named the best in North America and one of the best in the world

Another airport in Canada won an award for having the best staff! ✈️

24 Costco snacks that are worth buying even if you live alone

You might want to add these to your grocery list!

Lotto Max winning numbers for Tuesday, March 17 are out and there's a $40 million jackpot

It's time to check your tickets!

The feds are moving benefit payments to a new IT system and the cost has exploded to over $6B

The project could cost more than three times its budget of $1.75 billion.