Revised laws on children's welfare to take effect on June 1

BEIJING - Two newly revised laws directly linked to children's welfare are slated to take effect on June 1, the International Children's Day, to provide Chinese minors with better protection both at school and home, online and offline.

Mechanisms to prevent campus bullying and sexual abuse are required to be established, as is a mechanism for mental health screening and early intervention, according to the latest revisions.

Schools and kindergartens are required to report cases of serious bullying, child sexual abuse or harassment to police and education authorities and take measures to protect the victims of sexual abuse in a timely manner, according to the Law on the Protection of Minors, which was enacted in 1991 and revised in October.

Employers recruiting staff who will be in close contact with minors should check applicants' backgrounds with the police and prosecutors, excluding those with records of sexual assault, abuse, trafficking or violence.

Internet enterprises are forbidden from providing underage users with products and services that are known to be addictive. Restrictions on access to internet services, duration of use and consumption will be installed for minors using services including gaming, livestreaming, social media, and audio and video.

According to the Law on the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency, enacted in 1999 and revised in December, juveniles found guilty of crimes but exempt from criminal punishment as they are under the age of criminal liability can be provided with special correctional education after assessment from an expert committee.

Schools are also required to employ mental health staff on full-time or part-time contracts, and enhance communication and cooperation with parents or guardians on students' mental health.