Chinese police are reporting a rising number of crimes committed by youngsters at internet cafés. Experts are calling for urgent efforts by concerned social sectors to crack down on illegal internet café operations and better tackle the crime problem.

Ning Yan: The Internet can be a source of helpful information in life and work, but it can also be a bad influence, especially for the minors, with all sorts of violent games, a large amount of garbage, unhealthy information and vulgar chat-rooms.

A recent survey shows crimes committed by minors affected by "virtual reality" rose to 25 percent of all crimes committed by juveniles in the first three months of this year. In comparison, the figure for three years ago was only 4 percent.

In Shanghai, there was a recent case of such juvenile delinquency.

17-year-old Zhou is a frequent visitor to internet cafés, and was arrested by police on charges of stealing 6,000 yuan from a student at an internet café during the summer holiday.

The victim of the robbery is only 14 years old. He was with a friend who had just stolen his parents' savings account book, which contained about 10,000 yuan. A local public prosecutor says like the two boys, many of those who visit internet cafés are under the age of 18, despite the current regulations.

"Youngsters are not allowed to visit the internet cafés except during holidays."

China's lawmakers also say despite government crackdowns on illegal Internet cafes and games rooms, going online and the immersion in uncensored material have become an ever more important factor leading to juvenile delinquency in the country.

Many youngsters say owners of internet don't bother checking their ID cards before allowing them to enter. On the other hand, internet cafés are continuing to operate round the clock even though current regulations say they can only open between 8 am and midnight.

Sociologists believe a lack of computer entertainment facilities at home and school is a big reason why youngsters enjoy visiting internet cafés.

"This is a problem that internet café operators, families, schools and the government need to tackle together. We should communicate. Confiscating licenses and closing down internet cafés is not enough."

Experts are also suggesting the use of automatic monitoring systems such as camera surveillance to keep youngsters out of internet cafés and make sure owners operate within legal business hours.

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