The Chinese government has ordered local governments to not allow Internet cafe operations in residential areas and within 200 meters of primary and high schools to protect mental health of children.

The General Administration for Industry and Commerce, China's market watchdog, said in Beijing on Wednesday that currently many Internet cafes, especially those without licences, admit juveniles in violation of relevant regulations and spread unhealthy online information.

"They have brought great harm to the mental health of teenagers and interfered with the school teaching, which has aroused strong reactions from the public," Xinhua news agency quoted a GAIC official as saying.

The government has launched a nationwide check from February to August to halt the entry of minors in cyber cafes.