China activates minors mode for a wholesome internet

China has officially launched a nationwide ‘minors mode’ on 29 April 2025, aimed at strictly regulating the online experiences of users under the age of 18. Developed in response to a directive issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) last year, the new system ensures that young internet users are exposed only to content deemed age-appropriate and consistent with core socialist values.

The CAC’s guidelines require that content be tailored to different developmental stages. For example, toddlers are to receive access mainly to audio content like songs, to discourage excessive screen use, while teenagers between 12 and 16 will be provided with curated news, entertainment, and educational materials aligned with their cognitive development and ideological instruction.

Major Chinese tech companies have moved quickly to implement the directive. Smartphones from Xiaomi, Honor, and vivo now come pre-loaded with minors mode, while Huawei, OPPO, and ZTE plan to include it in upcoming operating system updates. Additionally, key platforms in video streaming, social media, e-commerce, and education have committed to serving only approved content to minors and developing new material specifically for this demographic.

The system is designed for ease of use by parents, who can activate it with a single click. It includes functions such as setting time limits, issuing break reminders, and collecting activity statistics. This ensures that children’s online activity remains aligned with the state’s standards for developmental and ideological health.

Why is this important?

China’s introduction of minors mode reflects a growing global interest in creating safer digital environments for children. By tailoring content to different age groups and encouraging healthy usage habits, the initiative demonstrates how technology can support child development and digital well-being. However, it also presents important considerations for civil society around the world. It highlights the need to ensure that safety measures are transparent, respect individual rights, and are implemented with oversight that includes parents, educators, and independent bodies. While China’s approach is shaped by its own social and governance model, it serves as a valuable case study for how digital protection policies can be designed and the balance that must be struck between safeguarding children and maintaining openness, privacy, and diversity of thought. Civil society should engage thoughtfully in these discussions to help shape frameworks that protect without overreaching.