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Beijing has exercised a more assertive paternal hand this year,
from tacking the addiction of youngsters to online games, deemed
a form of "spiritual opium", to clamping down on "blind" worship
of internet celebrities.
China's parliament said on Monday it would consider legislation
to punish parents if their young children exhibit "very bad
behaviour" or commit crimes.
The new law, which has not been published in full, makes local
governments responsible for ensuring that the twin pressures are
reduced and asks parents to arrange their children's' time to
account for reasonable rest and exercise, thereby reducing
pressure, said the agency, and avoiding overuse of the internet.
In recent months, the education ministry has limited gaming
hours for minors, allowing them to play online for one hour on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.
It has also cut back on homework and banned after-school
tutoring for major subjects during the weekend and holidays,
concerned about the heavy academic burden on overwhelmed
children.
(Reporting by Steven Bian and Engen Tham in Shanghai; Editing by
William Mallard)
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