China Sets Limits on Children's Smartphone Usage

The Cyberspace Administration of China announced today, Wednesday, that the smartphone usage of children under the age of 18 must be capped at two hours per day, causing a decline in tech company stocks. It added that it wants smartphone manufacturers to provide what are called "youth programs" to prevent users under 18 from accessing the internet on devices from 10 PM to 6 AM. The agency further stated that companies will also need to impose time limits under the proposed reforms. Users aged between 16 and 18 will be allowed two hours per day, children aged 8 to 16 will have one hour, while children under the age of eight will only be permitted eight minutes. However, the agency clarified that companies must allow parents to opt out of these time restrictions for their children.