What's happening?

This Friday, life for 110 million children in China will change. At 9pm, a new rule will come into force. It will limit gaming to three hours per week. 

It is part of a new set of laws to limit how games affect people's lives.

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The government thinks the rules are there to protect teenagers. They call gaming "poison" and say it is creating "negative energy" in the country's children. 

Not everybody thinks the new rules are a good idea. Brendan Kelly is a psychiatrist. He says the rules are unfair and "Draconian". 

Others are more keen on the plan. In the UK, half of all seven-year-olds play video games. By 15, children play online for more than 10 hours a week. 

But is that really a problem? Some experts think it is. Games are addictiveSo enjoyable that you do not want to stop.. For some people, they can get in the way of family life and school. 

But many others say gaming can be a good thing. For teenagers, gaming helps to reduce stress. And it can make us smarter. In a recent study, people who played Super Mario 64 had better spatial awareness and planning skills. 

Can video games be good for us?

Some say

No! Gaming can be very addictive. It makes users spend hours indoors looking at a screen. There are better ways to spend your free time. Playing outdoors is good for your brain and your body. Plus, you can see your friends in real life!

Others think 

Of course! Gaming can teach us many skills. Minecraft helps with creativity and reading. Fortnite is all about solving problems. Plus, gaming is a social activity.