Recently, there’s been a lot of attention paid to online gaming in China. For a bit of context, however, according to Limelight Networks, Chinese gamers averaged 12.4 hours a day, well over the global average of 8.5 hours. It is particularly concerning for children and a recent Xinhua article went so far as to blast the industry for pedaling “spiritual opium.” As a result, the government has announced a slew of new laws over the past few months, regulating everything from the amount of time children can play to the ways in which companies can monetize gaming services.

To get a different perspective and find out if the industry is really as predatory as it’s made out to be, I spoke with industry insider Ben “Books” Schwartz, a narrative game designer who previously worked with Microfun Inc. in Beijing.

China claims video games are addictive and designed to be so. Do you think there are industry practices that encourage addictive behavior?
Unfortunately, yes. Many Chinese game companies use wildly unethical and predatory design approaches, many borrowed from casinos and other forms of gambling. They lure in players with false promises of huge rewards (often carefully worded to avoid actually promising anything), they block off exciting content behind paywalls, and they make progress impossible without powerful characters and upgrades that can only be won from what is essentially a slot machine (a gachapon, in industry terms). These problems are also not unique to China and are being handled differently in different parts of the world. In some countries like Japan, these practices are regulated by the government; in other parts of the game industry, these practices are regulated by community morality. In China, they are unfortunately widespread and show no signs of abating. Notably, these practices almost never come from the actual game designers, as they make the games much less fun to play! Instead, they come from the monetization and marketing departments, following directives from company heads and outside investors who are just out to make as much money as they can from their players.

What do you think about the limits placed on gamers under 18?
I think it’s a complicated situation. There is very much a current push in media and government in China demonizing video games as having a negative influence on youth and consuming their time and money. On the other hand, many games in China are in fact predatory and manipulative towards their players, many of whom are young.

Do you think they will have an effect on limiting kids’ screen time?
To an extent, but I also know that kids are smart – they’ve been finding ways around similar restrictions for years, and I’m sure they’ll figure out ways around these too. (For example, many just register accounts in their parents’ names, avoiding the limits on under-18 players.)

Do you think it will have an effect on the gaming industry? How?
Absolutely, yes. Many Chinese game companies are frustrated with the regulations placed on games released in China, and so are pivoting to focus more and more on making games that will appeal to players outside China. It’s much easier in a logistical sense to release games for Western markets, but the hard part is making games that Westerners actually want to play. This is where people like me come in – Western designers brought in by Chinese game studios to help them do just that.

With 720 million gamers active in China the industry isn’t going anywhere and will continue to evolve. Tencent has already begun using facial recognition software on its wildly popular Honor of Kings game as a way of identifying and enforcing laws aimed at minors. Ultimately, however, only time will tell if these rules are effective and capable of curbing gaming addiction and predatory practices.

KEEP READING: I Spend 3 Hours Playing Video Games With My Kid On The Weekends

Images: Unsplash

Video game time is now 8pm-9pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays only! No, that’s not your mom’s rule…it was actually handed down by China’s National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) earlier this week.

In its ongoing battle against youth video game addiction, the new laws require online gaming companies to register all players using their Chinese IDs, and anyone under the age of 18 will have their game time restricted to approved weekend and holiday hours. The new rules, announced Monday, are much more stringent than the previous regulations which limited children to one and a half hours per day, seven days a week, and are intended to “effectively protect the physical and mental health of minors.”

This is part of an effort by authorities to curb what they see as dangerous and addictive behavior in minors. Xinhua reported the NPPA would be carrying out more stringent and frequent reviews of major providers like Tencent, whose game Honor of Kings has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.

There has been much speculation about how this will affect the USD 46 billion dollar Chinese gaming industry, especially as additional restrictions are expected later this year. In the meantime, 110 million underaged Chinese gamers are eagerly waiting, controller in hand, for the weekend.

KEEP READING: What’s Really Lurking In Your Kids’ Snacks?

Images: Unsplash

According to the new regulation, from January 1, 2020, Children under the age of 6 can travel free of charge by city bus and long-distance passenger transport buses, with half price for those aged 6 to 14.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the current pricing policy for urban bus and long-distance passenger transport is based on height, which is considered unfair by the public. The new regulation shows in addition to nine-seat or less than nine passenger bus, eligible children can enjoy a free ride or half-price ticket preferential treatment.

The specific conditions are:

• Each adult passenger can take a child under 6 years old (including 6 years old) or under 1.2 meters tall (including 1.2 meters) on the bus for free, but then the child can’t take a seat alone.
• If there are more than two children to bring, or your child needs a seat alone, then you will get half-price tickets.
• Children who are aged 6 to 14 years old, or 1.2 to 1.5 meters tall will get half-price tickets.

Examples of valid identification documents to prove the age of a child include:

• A resident identity card of the People’s Republic of China
• A temporary resident identity card of the People’s Republic of China
• A residence permit for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents
• A travel permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents to and from the mainland
• A travel permit for Taiwan residents to and from the mainland
• A passport
• Or A permanent residence identity card for foreigners

Don’t worry too much if you do happens to a valid id document, as your child’s height will be measured instead to make sure they fit the proper standards for traveling as a child. Be sure to get those free tickets early because the number of children on board that are eligible for free tickets will be limited to just 10% of the total number of passengers allowed when the bus is fully loaded.

Photos: gov.cn

For parents, school represents a place that they can drop their children off in the morning, confident that their sons and daughters will have a day filled with academic and social lessons surrounded by inspired environments and compassionate teachers. For students, it’s a time to explore new universes, play with friends, and just be silly.

Ultimately though, it is in these spaces that a bulk of a kid’s formative years take place, and what happens within those hallowed hallways will stick with the pupil for the rest of their life.

That’s why, aside from being a place of learning, it is critical that schools are a beacon of safety in the community. Not only do parents have to be able to rely on the school to protect the well-being of their children, but children need a safe and nurturing environment to realize their full potential as they navigate the all-too-confusing labyrinth of their own maturation.

Therefore it’s welcome news that Beijing’s government recently introduced a slate of new regulations aimed at further protecting the safety of students in primary and middle schools.

The legislation covers everything from school security to food safety, and will impose a new 200-meter safety zone around all campuses, effectively banning factories that discharge pollutants, as well as internet cafes and entertainment sites. What’s more, vehicles will be barred from parking within 100 meters of school gates. Should any malicious actor penetrate the safety zone radius, the regulations will also require schools to hire six full-time security personnel per 1,000 teachers and students.

Whereas protecting students while in the care of the school is an important step for the educational authorities to take, they’re going a bit further in that the new measures will also place an importance on safety education, providing students with courses in how to avoid and/or handle dangerous situations such as attacks, fires, and natural disasters.

Lastly, in light of an attack that was carried out by a maintenance employee at an elementary school earlier this year, the new regulations will require schools to monitor the psychological status of their staff, and adequately investigate any conflicts that may arise between coworkers.

And in an unprecedented move, should any of these regulations be violated, it is the school’s principal who will be held directly accountable.

Photos: Campbellusd.org

Dog owners beware: dog regulations in Beijing are going to be strictly enforced over the next month. While these are not new rules, they are typically only enforced during dog-catching season or if there is an issue, such as a neighbor’s complaint or if someone gets bitten. With the People’s Republic of China gearing up for its 70th anniversary celebrations, the focus of September is cleaning up the city and improving the quality of life.

From September 1 – October 1 key areas around Beijing are going to be subject to strict enforcement of current dog ownership laws. The areas that are going to experience the biggest crackdown are Haidian, Fengtai, Chaoyang, and Shijingshan, but there are eight districts in Beijing that are subject to these laws. It is your responsibility to know the laws, but this can be a challenge because they change from district to district and sometimes even day to day. But here are the two most important rules to know:

1. You must register your dog (here is a how-to on registering).

2. Your dog needs to be under 35cm (this is measured from the ground to the shoulder). Get out your measuring tape!

Another useful rule to know is the banned breed list. If you are complying with the size rule, then these breeds are already too big when fully grown, but there are specific laws forbidding these breeds from being kept in Beijing.

Dogs are taken every day in the city by police, for a variety of reasons, and getting them back ranges from difficult to impossible. During September any medium- or large-sized dog can be confiscated, even if they are registered. These dogs will not be returned. If you have a dog that is over the 35cm limit, you should consider options for getting your dog out of the city.

There are some options available for keeping your dog safe. Consider having someone who lives outside of the city babysit your dog. Board them at one of the many boarding facilities around Beijing. If these are not options for you, you can consider keeping your dog inside for the month, possibly going out very late at night (after 11pm or later) or very early in the morning (before 5am). You must keep your dog quiet if you choose this option. Police may come to your door if a neighbor reports the noise.

The dog registration period was May 1 – June 30; it usually falls around these dates every year. If your dog is outside of the size limits or a banned breed, registration will not help, but if your dog is on the edge of being too big or is the correct size, this is a must for you. Without this registration, your dog can be seized at any time without reason. The dog registration period has ended, but many police stations will still register dogs throughout the year; it just takes more persistence on the owner’s part. If you ask and they say no, try again another day with a new person. Remember registration must be renewed every year.

Keep your precious pooches safe, everybody.

Photos: Jenn, Pixabay

Arrests and deportation of foreign teachers in China are reportedly on the rise as regulators are cracking down on visa violations and tightening business compliance laws. Law firms report that cases involving foreign teachers have increased rapidly, as much as ten-fold according to some reports, over the past six months. Accompanying this increase in scrutiny are significant upticks in detention for other petty crimes involving foreigners (including public indecency and minor drug violations).

In order to avoid such a bleak fate, here is everything you need to know about legally working in China.

You can not legally work unless you are on a work visa

It is illegal for your employer to ask you to come to China on a tourist visa or business visa for long-term work. Before you leave your country of origin, you must apply for a temporary work permit that allows you to enter the country for employment. This will then be transitioned into a residency permit by your company once you are in China.

Basic required documents for applying for a work visa

• Proof of two years of work experience in a similar given field. Therefore, ask for reference letters from former employers with 1) your job title (try to match it and the description as closely as possible to your new position); 2) duration of employment; 3) employer signature
• Authenticated Bachelor’s degree, meaning that it was stamped by a public notary
• Criminal background check
• Medical clearance

READ: How to Get a Visa and Residency Permit Health Check in Beijing

Be aware of industry-specific requirements

Most reputable teaching jobs in China will additionally require:

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
2. Professional qualification (PGCE for UK applicants or TEFL)
3. Two years of work experience
4. A one year contract
5. Minimum age requirement of 24 or older

Be wary of salary/fee issues

While it may be normal to ask new hires to pay part or all of a visa agent’s fee, you should not be asked to make large, upfront payments. If communication is vague, your employer asks for large amounts of money or personal information, it may be a scam. In addition, you should not be asked to work for months without payment (even if you are in a “probation” period, you are legally entitled to compensation). If you see any of these red flags, it may be time to seek other employment opportunities.

Contracts

First off, you should see, review, and sign a contract. While this may seem like an obvious detail, it can be easy to be convinced to start work without seeing these details on paper. In addition, look for clear details in your contract about what happens should you leave your position prior to the end of your contract. Understanding your rights and responsibilities should you need to make a quick exit will save you trouble in the event of unexpected difficulties.

Good luck and happy job hunting!

READ: Government Streamlines Visa Applications for Foreign Talent in China

Image: stuff.co.nz

According to the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, one million e-bike owners have applied for temporary licenses for “electric bicycles that don’t meet standards” since they have announced new regulations last year. Now less than two months remain until the application deadline for temporary licenses. From May 1 this year, unlicensed e-bikes that don’t meet standards in Beijing will be impounded and the owners will be fined RMB 1,000.

What kind of e-bikes need temporary licenses?

E-bikes with a top speed of more than 20kph, a vehicle weight of more than 40kg, and/ or a motor with power of more than 240 watts do not meet the Electric Bicycles – General Technical Requirements issued by the National Standardization Administration of China in 1999.

How do I apply for a temporary license?

As we blogged before, Beijing Traffic Management Bureau has released an online application channel for temporary licenses for e-bikes, as well as detailed instructions.

Option 1: Completing an application form online
Option 2: Making an appointment online to apply in person

When is the deadline for applications?

All applications must be made by April 30 2019.

How long do temporary licenses last?

Licenses cover a three-year transition period (November 1, 2018 – October 31, 2021). After that, bikes that do not meet the standards will not be allowed on the road.

Why should I bother?

From May 1 this year, unlicensed e-bikes that don’t meet the standards in Beijing will be impounded and the owners will get fined RMB 1,000.

Beijing’s trusty bike-share systems are still going strong; here is everything you need to know about using them.

Photos: courtesy of Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, dfic.cn

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to learning the laws and rights in a new country. Here, we lay out some of the crucial rules that one should know (and not break), the rights that you have as a foreign person residing in Beijing, and other important information that you will need to navigate this city safely and avoiding any unnecessary trouble.

Laws Foreigners Might Break

Registration
Foreigners must register their presence with the local police regardless of the length of stay in the country. Most hotels will automatically register their guests, while other places might require you to register at a place near where you are staying. If you are moving to a new neighborhood, or just moved in from outside of China, you must register at your local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of your arrival. Each time you exit and enter the country on a valid visa, you must register within 24 hours at the police station.

Expired Visas
Staying in China on an expired visa can lead to deportation or being held indefinitely in a foreigners’ detention center while your deportation is being arranged. If your visa is about to expire you can apply for an extension at the PSB Exit and Entry Administration Office

Working on the Wrong Visa
Working on any visa other than the Z visa is illegal.

Know Your Rights

Maternity and Paternity Leave
Expectant foreign mothers and fathers are permitted a certain number of months of maternity/paternity leave. In 2016, maternity leave increased from 98 days to 128 days. At least 15 days of maternity leave is permitted for pregnancies less than 4 months that were aborted. At least six weeks of maternity leave is permitted for pregnancies that lasted over four months that were aborted or resulted in miscarriage. Mothers on maternity leave will also either receive a maternity leave stipend or their usual salary. Fathers are permitted up to 15 days of paternity leave.

Marriage Leave
Unfortunately, the seven-day marriage leave that was once afforded to new couples was taken down in 2016. New couples are no longer permitted this seven-day leave, and companies that still award this do so out of tradition.

Pre-natal Checkups
Beginning at 12-weeks, pregnant workers are entitled to paid leave for these checkups. The checkups will also be noted in a pregnancy handbook given by the local Community Health Service Center. As with maternity leave, these policies can differ across China so be sure to look at the policy specific to your location.

Breastfeeding
Female employees are permitted one hour of breastfeeding time during every working day for a one-year breastfeeding period. It is also common practice for employers to ask women to work the usual eight-hour workday and accumulate the one hour towards their vacation time. Women are also permitted to breastfeed in public without covering up.

Terminating Contracts of Pregnant Workers
It is illegal to terminate the contract of a pregnant worker during her pregnancy, maternity leave, or breastfeeding period (lasts until the infant is one years old). If a worker becomes pregnant during her contract and that contract ends during her pregnancy, the contract will be automatically extended until the end of the breastfeeding period.

Withdrawing Social Security Upon Leaving
All foreign workers are required to contribute to social security in China. If you contributed to a pension/social security fund in China for 15 years or more, you qualify for social security benefits. Foreigners that leave China before this 15-year period has been reached are entitled to recoup the money they had contributed to social security during their employment time. In order to begin the process of withdrawing money, you must first be officially terminated from your place of employment in China. Following the termination, you should speak with your company about the appropriate procedures.

Lease Termination
A landlord that wishes to prematurely terminate the lease agreement must pay double the down-payment (usually one month’s rent) and double the security deposit (usually two to three month’s rent). This is roughly eight-months of rent. Tenants that prematurely terminate the lease agreement forfeit both the down-payment and the security deposit.

Photo: Adobe Stock Photo
This article appeared on p59-60 of beijingkids July 2018 Home & Relocation Guide issue

*Editor’s Note: The original print version wrongly listed Raffles Medical as International SOS.

In Case of Emergencies

Theft/Missing Persons

Thefts can be more common than one would like in Beijing. Below are some of the commonly seized items and what to do post-theft.

Passports

If you lose your passport, report immediately at both the police station and the division of Exit/Entry Administration at the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau or at the exit-entry department of the public security bureau branch nearest to where the passport was lost. A new passport can be acquired at your embassy or consulate using the Confirmation of Passport Loss document. Don’t forget to apply for a new visa!

Stolen Property

In the event that your property is stolen, call the police at 110 and report the theft immediately. Then wait for the police to arrive and cooperate with them, which may include going to the station.

Missing Persons

A missing persons’ report can be filed 48 hours after that persons’ disappearance. The report can be filed both at your country’s embassy location in Beijing or at the local police department.

Embassies

You should locate the embassy nearest to your residence before arriving, and keep their contact information with you. Embassies often send out alerts or other important information that their citizens should know about while in Beijing. At the embassy, you can file a missing person’s report and vote in your home country’s elections.

Emergency Hotlines

Fire: 119
Police (Phone): 110
Police (Text): 12110
Police (English Emergency Hotline): 6525 5486
Ambulance (Chinese): 120
Ambulance (English) 999
Traffic Accidents: 122
Foreign Emergency Services: 6525 5486
Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention: 6777 3512
United Family Hospital Emergency Services: 5927 7120
Raffles Medical Clinic and Emergency Services: 6462 9112

Sources: the Beijinger and Beijing International

This article originally appeared on p 28-30 of beijingkids May 2017 Home & Relocation Guide.
Download the digital copy here.

Picture: Wikimedia Commons