Context :
Chinese
youth to have smartphone, internet use curbed … ET / 03 Aug 2023
Extract :
Chinese children and
teens will be cut
off from accessing the internet at night and have their smartphone use curbed under new rules
unveiled Wednesday aimed at fighting internet addiction.
Under the
restrictions, set to come into force on September 2 following a public
consultation, anyone under the age of 18 will be cut off from accessing the internet
with a mobile device between 10 pm and 6
am.
A tiered system for
managing smartphone usage time will also be imposed, spanning a maximum of 40 minutes a day for those under the age
of eight to two hours for 16- and 17-year-olds. The
new rules are some of the most stringent in the world.
Parents will be able
to bypass them if they wish, however.
The CAC said the rules would "improve the
positive role of the internet, create a favourable network environment, prevent
and intervene in minors' internet addiction problems, and guide minors to form
good internet use habits".
Related
Reading :
First
some facts about Indian teens :
“
Can you tell me
the number of hours that India's teens spend on internet from their
Smart-phones ? “
BARD gave following data >
Sure. According to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Indian teens spend an average of 5 hours per day on
the internet from their smartphones.
This number has been steadily
increasing in recent years, and is now higher than the global average of 4 hours per day.
The report also found that the most
popular activities for Indian teens on the internet are social media, watching videos, and playing games.
Social media is by far the most
popular activity, with 80% of
Indian teens using it on a daily basis.
The report's findings suggest that
smartphone usage is having a significant impact on the lives of Indian teens.
It is important for parents and educators to be aware of this trend, and to
help teens develop healthy habits around smartphone use.
Here are some of the potential negative effects of excessive
smartphone use in teens:
·
Sleep deprivation:
·
Studies
have shown that teens who use their smartphones in bed are more likely to
experience sleep problems.
·
Depression and anxiety:
·
Excessive
smartphone use can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression.
·
Addiction:
·
Smartphone
addiction is a real problem, and it can have a serious impact on a teen's life.
If you are concerned about your teen's
smartphone use, there are a few things you can do:
·
Set limits on screen time:
·
Establish
clear rules about how much time your teen can spend on their smartphone each
day.
·
Encourage other activities:
·
Encourage
your teen to participate in activities that don't involve screens, such as
sports, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends.
·
Be a role model:
·
Model healthy
smartphone habits yourself. Show
your teen how to use their smartphone in a way that doesn't interfere with
their schoolwork, sleep, or relationships.
If you are concerned that your
teen may be addicted to their smartphone, there are resources available to
help. You can talk to your teen's doctor, or contact a mental health
professional.
My Take :
Ø Excessive use of Smartphones is a bigger problem for India than for the rest of the World
Ø There is enough evidence that this is going to get worse
Ø I have a feeling ( no proof ) that Indian parents are
proving to be POOR “ Role Models “ for their
children. Probably, they spend 8 hours per day on their Smartphones
Ø I am afraid that , left without some fool-proof
solution , this “ Smart
Disease “ can debilitate our youth – much the
same way as DRUGS
Ø I am sure , VOLUNTARY REGULATION is not going to work for the
majority of parents and their children , though it may work for a tiny minority
Ø The news report ( about China ) does not say
anything about the “ METHODS “ by
which , the Chinese Authorities plan to “ RESTRICT
“ the smartphone usage among teens. But then , Chinese Authorities do not need
to worry about “ public outcry / opposition “ , nor do they consider themselves
ACCOUNTABLE to public. I get a feeling that they have developed some technology
which can :
# Differentiate between the users of Smartphones ( Teen or Adult ) –
may be through AI
# Then remotely “ SWITCH OFF “ the phones of the TEENS , at
prescribed hours
It is a sad commentary on our Society ( anywhere / in any country ) where
DEMOCRATIC / EDUCATING
With regards,
Hemen Parekh
www.hemenparekh.ai / 03 Aug 2023
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