Zhuhai departments urge businesses to refuse illegal phone rentals to minors

On Monday, eight government departments in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, jointly issued an initiative calling on business owners to stop illegally renting smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices to minors, in an effort to protect their physical and mental well-being and create a healthier online environment.

Businesses near primary and secondary schools in Zhuhai have been providing smart devices to minors under services such as "phone rental", "hourly phone rental", and "shared gaming consoles", which violates related laws and regulations.

The initiative called on business owners to refuse to illegally provide minors with smart device rentals (including SIM cards), internet access services for online gaming, or the transmission of harmful information.

It also urged business owners not to provide minors with online games, audiovisual content, applications, or other information products and services containing pornography, gambling, or violent content.

Business owners must refuse requests from minors for such rental services, according to the initiative.

Article 58 of China's Law on the Protection of Minors stipulates that business premises unsuitable for minors, including commercial entertainment venues, bars, and internet access service venues, must not be established around schools and kindergartens. Operators of such venues are prohibited from allowing minors to enter.

Under Zhuhai's initiative, businesses found in violation may face warnings, confiscation of illegal gains, orders to suspend operations for rectification, or revocation of business licenses or relevant permits, as well as fines of up to 500,000 yuan ($75,000).

Parents are also encouraged to monitor minors' spending and be alert to requests for money purportedly for school supplies that may instead be used to rent smartphones. They are also urged to guide children in the proper use of smart devices and develop healthy internet habits.

Members of the public can report businesses that illegally rent smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices to minors through the 110 emergency hotline or the 12345 government service hotline.