BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua)-- In an effort to help reduce on-line addiction of young people, all game operators in China are being required to deter minors from playing their games for more than three hours a day, according to a circular issued here Monday.

    The circular says on-line game companies must develop a system that restricts a minor's playing time by canceling half their earned credits if they remain on-line for more than three hours a day. If the child plays for more than five hours a day all of their gaming credits will be taken away.

    On-line gamers will also be required to register using their real names and identity card numbers which will indicate if they are under the age of 18.

    The companies will have until June 15 to develop an anti-addiction system which must be fully tested by July 15 and implemented thereafter, according to the circular.

    The circular was co-issued by eight government departments, including the State Press and Publication Administration, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Security.

    Official statistics show that the number of internet users in China reached 123 million in mid-2006. About 15 percent - or 18 million - are under the age of 18.