Children are given a daily time limit on Douyin - its version of TikTok
Douyin a local version of the short-video sharing app TikTok in China, can be used by children for only 40 minutes daily.
The new rule will come into effect for those under the age of 14. These age groups have to use the platform by confirming their real name and identity.
Earlier, Bytdance, the main ownership company of TikTok in Bluegpost, announced its youth version. It is said to be the first short-video company to introduce such restrictions in the IT industry.
The announcement came as the Chinese government took steps to control the use of information technology for teenagers.
People of any age can use their platform as per Douyin usage rules (user agreement). However, those under the age of 18 can use it with the permission of a legal guardian. Compared to that, the global version of TikTok has a minimum age limit of 13 years.
In the new youth edition- Douyin has added a variety of educational content such as scientific experiments, museum exhibitions, and historical events.
Government measures to control the use of technology:
Last month, the Chinese government imposed some restrictions on children playing video games. From now on, they will be able to play games only on weekends, general holidays, and Fridays.
Earlier last February, children were completely banned from taking mobiles to schools.
Analysis by BBC's Chinese media expert Keri Allen:
Allen thinks the restrictions on local use of the TikTok were expected.
For three years, Chinese state-owned media have been expressing concern over the increasing internet use of young people and children. Government experts fear that this is harming the physical and mental health of children.
According to the social media agency We Are Social, Chinese people spend more than five hours a day online on average. They are spending two hours on various social media.
However, the data of those under 18 years of age were not included. After the Covid-19 epidemic struck, Chinese children's online learning time increased many times over.
According to state-owned broadcasting media CGTN, 95 percent of Chinese children, teenagers, or 183 million minors, are now spending time online regularly.
Allen, therefore, feels that Douyin's recent decision has had a direct impact on government policies.
Desk report. 2021-09-21
