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".
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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 based Facial Recognition , to start phone
# 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 methods , fail to solve SOCIETAL PROBLEMS
With regards,
Hemen Parekh
www.hemenparekh.ai / 03 Aug 2023
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