Mother's Desperate Cry: China Grapples with Gaming Addiction and Parental Responsibility
In a heartbreaking video that has captured the attention of millions on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, a mother is seen crying while hitting her 16-year-old son, Ruirui, after discovering he had spent 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,400) on in-game purchases. The incident has sparked a nationwide discussion on the pervasive issue of internet and gaming addiction among minors, parental responsibility, and the predatory practices of gaming companies.
20 July 2025
Ruirui, once described as smart and cheerful, became addicted to online gaming over his nine years of play, leading to a three-year hiatus from school due to academic pressures during his transition from primary to middle school. His mother's emotional outburst in the video underlines the financial and emotional toll of gaming addiction on families, resonating with many across China.
Weibo users have expressed overwhelming empathy for the mother, whose monthly salary is reportedly only 2,000 yuan, making the sum spent by her son a significant financial blow. Comments reflect an understanding of her desperation and helplessness, with many noting the act of hitting her child was born out of extreme frustration and sadness rather than malice.
The incident has also shone a light on the controversial practices of gaming companies, with users criticizing the use of "limit-time offers" and "first-time top-up specials" designed to exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly children who lack financial literacy. The call for tighter regulation and accountability for these "pervasive inducements to spend" and "payment traps" has grown louder in the wake of Ruirui's story.
While there is sympathy for the mother, the discourse also prompts parents to reflect on their roles, questioning how children gain access to payment methods and highlighting the need for more heartfelt guidance and companionship. One user pointedly remarked that parents who allow children to use phones for convenience and then face problems should reflect on their own issues rather than blaming the game.
The consensus on Weibo is that physical punishment is unhelpful in addressing game addiction, pointing to the complexity of the issue that extends beyond simple discipline. This has led to a broader conversation about the need for understanding and intervention, as exemplified by Ruirui's experience at a minor protection camp where he finally opened up about his feelings after a sandplay therapy session.
The story of "儿子氪金1万妈妈边打孩子边哭" (Son spends 10,000 on in-game purchases, mother cries while hitting him) encapsulates the poignant struggles faced by many families dealing with the challenges of modern parenting, the profound impact of addiction, and the systemic issues within the gaming industry. As the discussion continues, it is clear that the issue is not just about a single incident but a continuous struggle and an ongoing conversation about a widespread societal problem.
