Get All Access for $5/mo

ByteDance Caps Screen Time for Kids in China This is the latest move by Chinese companies and officials to reduce screen time for children in the country.

By Entrepreneur Staff Edited by Emily Rella

NurPhoto | Getty Images

ByteDance Ltd., which makes TikTok, has announced that it will cap access to Douyin, the Chinese version of the app, for users under the age of 14. This is the latest move by Chinese companies and officials to reduce screen time for children in the country.

The company announced the changes Saturday in a blog post, saying the move is part of an effort to protect young people.

"All real-name users under the age of 14 have entered the youth mode, and new registered users in the future will also enter directly," said the post, according to a translation.

Related: China's Limit on Children's Gaming Time Goes Into Effect

Douyin's youth mode is in line with the Chinese government's new restrictions on minors' access to video games. Anyone under 14 is able to access Douyin between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., but can't use the app outside that time frame. Further, the content available in youth mode will feature educational material like "interesting popular science experiments, exhibitions in museums and galleries, beautiful scenery across the country, explanations of historical knowledge, and so on."

The company encouraged parents to help their children complete the real-name authentication or turn on youth mode when prompted.

Earlier this month, the Chinese government enacted its mandate that no one under 18 can play more than three hours of video games per week. The Chinese media watchdog the National Press and Public Administration made the announcement in a statement posted by state news agency Xinhua.

The new crackdown means children can play games on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays, but only between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The agency previously set restrictions on Chinese youth's gaming in 2019, decreeing that children could only play for 90 minutes on weekdays and three hours on weekends. Since then, online games have required real-name verification and log-in systems.

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.