Think you can hand your kid an iPad in lieu of a babysitter? Think again
Taiwan is now making sure we can’t fob off electronics on our kids to distract them, at least for too long. Expect to be fined if it’s found that your kid has been spending way too much time on the Internet or with electronics. Now just how the law would detect said parents has not been disclosed but it’s a bit scary that the fine is up to NT50,000 (RM5,768).
What does the law actually say? It stipulates that minors in Taiwan (below the age of 18) “may not constantly use electronic products for a period of time that is not reasonable.”
CHILD PROTECTION OR DRACONIAN LAW?
watching, reading, listening to, or using any content that depicts violence, sex or obscenity. – See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/east-asia/story/taiwan-revises-law-restrict-amount-time-children-spend-electronic-devices-#xtor=CS1-10 watching, reading, listening to, or using any content that depicts violence, sex or obscenity.
Existing legislation also makes it illegal for children to watch anything deemed harmful to them such as sex, violence or depravity. We’re guessing that watching South Park would get a parent fined over there.
The problem with the law, despite its good intentions, is just how do you judge whether a child is spending too much time with gadgets? Kids being kids, who’s to say Junior won’t sneak an iPad under the covers or figure out how to unlock Dad’s Android phone.
While it’s great that Taiwan recognises that electronic addiction is an actual thing, punishing parents for it does seem to be going a wee bit overboard. Next thing you know, there’ll be a fine on people who watch too much reality TV. Now that one, we might not mind so much.
Original Story : http://www.stuff.tv/my/taiwan-makes-it-illegal-distract-your-kids-electronics/news
