Landmark cases underscore protection of minors

China's top court has reaffirmed the importance of protecting minors, pledging to strengthen cooperation with market regulators to address social risks that infringe on the legitimate rights of young people and foster a child-friendly market environment.

"As the digital economy, cultural industries and new consumption patterns flourish, new risks have emerged that threaten minors' well-being," the Supreme People's Court said. These include unsafe products, noncompliant business practices, hazardous toys and inadequate safety measures in entertainment venues, creating new challenges for the protection of minors.

On Tuesday, the Supreme People's Court and the State Administration for Market Regulation released details of four landmark cases highlighting administrative and judicial efforts to address such issues, particularly in entertainment venues popular with minors, including escape rooms and immersive role-playing games.

The court said the cases clarify key issues such as age-appropriate admission requirements, safety obligations and the validity of liability waivers, helping define the social responsibilities of operators.

In one case, a 15-year-old identified as Wang participated in an escape room game on Oct 1, 2022. Before entering, Wang signed a waiver stating that he would be responsible for any injuries resulting from being frightened or from actions he took during the game.

During the game, Wang fell while running and was injured, suffering economic losses exceeding 50,000 yuan ($7,389). After failing to reach a compensation agreement with the venue, Wang's guardians filed a lawsuit seeking full compensation.

An investigation found that the escape room featured a "bloody and terrifying" theme based on a script intended for people age 18 and older. The venue contained narrow, dimly lit passages and black walls, with few protective measures, making it unsuitable for minors. It also neither provided nor required Wang to wear safety equipment.

A lower court ruled that operators of script-based entertainment venues must strictly enforce age restrictions, maintain safety standards and provide clear safety warnings. For high-risk games involving running or chasing, minors should be provided with and required to wear safety gear.

The court found that the escape room was inappropriate for minors, yet the operator allowed Wang to participate without enforcing age restrictions or fulfilling its safety obligations. It ruled that the waiver Wang signed was invalid because it sought to exempt the venue from liability for personal injuries.

The court ultimately declared the waiver void and ordered the venue to compensate Wang for medical expenses, nursing costs and emotional distress.

"Escape rooms and role-playing games, as emerging forms of entertainment, attract a broad audience with significant participation by minors. Regulating these activities is crucial for enhancing the social protection of minors," the Supreme People's Court said.

The court said the ruling establishes that operators of script-based entertainment venues must comply with age-appropriate admission requirements and fulfill their legal safety obligations to minors. They cannot rely on unlawful liability waivers to avoid responsibility.

"This case delineates the social responsibilities and legal boundaries of such venues, setting a bottom line for the protection of minors," the court said. "It serves as a representative case that strengthens the protection of minors' rights, regulates new entertainment formats and uses judicial authority to support the healthy development of minors."

In other cases, judicial and market regulatory authorities focused on products such as stress-relief slime and crystal mud toys. Authorities pledged to intensify inspections and impose severe penalties on noncompliant products to safeguard minors' health and safety.