According to parent company ByteDance, the Chinese version of popular video app TikTok (known as Douyin), users under 14 years old in China will be limited to 40 minutes per day.
It conforms to the new Chinese government restrictions on video games for children under 14. The company stated that teens under 14 years old will have access to Douyin from 6AM to 10PM. However, they won't be allowed to use the app beyond that time. Real-name authenticated users below 14 years old will be subject to the rules. The company advised parents to assist their children with the real-name authentication process or to activate youth mode when the app prompts.
China's government is attempting to reduce the time that Chinese teens spend online. This it considers harmful. The Chinese National Press and Publication Administration announced new rules last month that restrict Chinese citizens aged under 18 from playing online games between 8PM and 9PM on Fridays, weekends, and holidays. Authorities have instructed game platforms and companies like Douyin use real-name identification. This requires that users provide a number and other identification in order to access online gaming.
ByteDance stated that the youth mode content will include educational material such as interesting science experiments, exhibitions at museums and galleries, stunning scenery, and explanations of historical information.
