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BIC debuts online directive for family education

english.bjinternetcourt.gov.cn | Updated: 2022-05-16

   

The Beijing Internet Court (BIC) issued an online directive on family education on May 7 in the case of an underage livestreaming user who was fond of tipping generously. It was the first online directive on family education issued by the court that was based on the newly enacted Family Education Promotion Law.

In the case, the plaintiff, an 11-year-old, used his mother's cellphone to watch livestreaming programs and tipped over 10,000 yuan ($1,483) in only 6 days.

During the trial, the judge found that the defendant's guardians failed to provide adequate supervision and management of his internet surfing activities. Based on the Family Education Promotion Law, the BIC issued a directive to the guardians requiring them to be more aware of the need to guide their child towards healthy online surfing and to improve his sense of network surfing safety. They were also required to receive guidance on the BIC's online family education platform.

The directive was issued online as the plaintiff and his parents live outside Beijing. The judge's conversations with the litigants were also conducted online at the BIC's virtual conversation room for minors' matters.

The Family Education Promotion Law came into effect on Jan 1, 2022. It is China's first legislation specialized in family education. To fully enforce the family education system, the BIC launched the country's first online family education platform where professional courses on healthy online surfing, the rule of law in cyperspace and family education are provided by integrated forces including administrative and judicial organs, higher education institutions and professional associations. Those required to take the courses need to finish them in a specified period of time and will receive regular follow-ups from judges on their obligation fulfillment.