In recent years, China has sharply increased regulation over minors’ access to the internet — including social media platforms. While there is no outright ban on children using social media with mobile numbers, the country has implemented several real-name verification and time‑restriction systems that significantly limit minors’ access.—

✅ Real‑Name Registration via Mobile Phone Numbers Since 2016, all cell phone SIM cards in mainland China must be registered under a person’s real identity, binding the mobile number to their official ID .Similarly, all major internet services—including social media, messaging, video platforms—require users to provide real identity information when creating an account. Without valid ID or a bound phone number, access is blocked by law (Cybersecurity Law, 2017) .Thus, children under 18 cannot register anonymously or with fake numbers.—

🕒 Restrictions via “Minor Mode” and CurfewsIn August 2023, China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) issued draft rules requiring devices, apps, and app stores to include a “minor mode” that enforces strict usage limits based on age .

Under these rules (being finalized in 2023):No minor can access mobile internet—from **10 p.m. to 6 a.m.**

Daily limits:Under 8 years old: max 40 minutes

Ages 8–15: 1 hour

Ages 16–17: 2 hours

Break reminders after 30 minutes of usage.Certain services (emergency, education) are exempt.Parents can opt out or extend limits manually .—

🧩 How It Affects Social Media Usage Because all social media platforms in China enforce real‑name authentication tied to phone numbers, minors must use their or a guardian’s ID and mobile number to register.Under minor mode, platforms like WeChat, Douyin, Weibo, Bilibili, Kuaishou, Xiaohongshu, etc., automatically restrict usage time for registered accounts identified as under‑18. Many already enforce teenage modes limiting daily use to about 40 minutes, especially for users under 14 .So although there’s no blanket ban on registering with a mobile number, social media access is heavily gated and time‑capped for minors.—🧭 Current Legal Status (as of now)Real‑name system is mandatory: all users—including minors—must register with valid ID and mobile number .China’s minor mode proposal went through public consultation until September 2023; implementation is underway, and major platforms are already complying or piloting the restrictions .As of mid‑2025, these are law or regulatory obligation, not just recommendations.—

📋 Summary Table

Aspect Status Mobile number registration Mandatory and tied to real ID for all users, including minors Social media account creation Requires personal ID or guardian’s ID + phone numberTotal access time for minors Capped (40 min – 2 hrs/day depending on age)Internet “curfew” for minors Blocked between 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.

Parental control Parents can override or adjust limits via minor mode—

📌 Key Takeaway There is no outright ban on children using social media via mobile phone numbers. However, in practice

:Minors must register with real identity tied to a mobile number.They face strict usage limits and nighttime cutoffs via the regulated “minor mode” system.Most major platforms already enforce teen modes consistent with new rules.Altogether, this creates a controlled environment where minors can access social media only under parental oversight, with strong verification and limited hours.Feel free to ask if you’d like specifics on a particular platform—like WeChat or Douyin—and how these rules are enforced in practice.