China's National Press and Publication Administration has issued a notice on preventing minors from becoming addicted to online games.
The document emphasizes the shared responsibilities of online game providers, government agencies and social forces in jointly managing and governing the issue, according to the administration.
The document asks all online game users to register with their identification information and orders strictly limiting the window and total length of time for minors to access online games on a daily basis.
It also bans paid online game services for users under the age of eight and puts a limit on the amount of money minors aged above eight can pay for online game services on a daily and monthly basis.
Online game providers are asked to set reminders for users of different age groups, adding that any harmful content including pornography, violence and gambling is prohibited in games targeting minors.
Companies that fail to follow the rules will be asked to make changes or be punished, the notice said. Their business licenses could be revoked.
It also said parents, schools and other social forces should be guided to better obligate their duties of guarding and protecting minors.
The administration said it will work together with the ministry of public security to improve ID recognition in order to better supervise minor users online.
Last month, China's top legislature started reviewing a draft revision to the Law on the Protection of Minors, which highlights new stipulations on cyberspace protection.
The provisions stress the management of minors' time spent on online games and asks online game suppliers to categorize their products, set reminders and take technical measures to keep minors away from games that are not suitable for them.
