>> Ho Chi Minh City: Alarming data on student gaming addicts

>> Survey says over 70% of school students play online games

Internet cafes across Vietnam are required to close their online-gaming services from 22:00 pm to 8 am everyday from March 30.

Internet cafes face tighter controls

Under the Ministry of Information and Communications’ new instructions, internet service providers (ISPs) will have to start limiting online gaming to within a restricted time frame.

ISPs will also be asked to register and monitor the IP addresses for their internet cafes before March 15.

Information and Communications departments in localities will be responsible for implementation and enforcement of these new rules.

The ministry said the move is aimed to mitigate the negative impacts of online games on society, and in particular the young. Several big cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have pioneered the implementation of the ministry’s instructions.

The ministry also disclosed that it will seek the Government’s approval for revisions of Decree 97, on internet services this year.

A recent survey by Ministry of Education and Training indicated that 76% of primary school children in Hanoi were playing online games on school days. The number in Ho Chi Minh City was 70%. The percentages of high school students in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city was 76.8% and 88%, respectively.

Some experts said certain games affect students’ behaviour, and can even lead to violence in schools.