The Shanghai government has revealed a new means of addressing the problem of students spending too much of their time in Internet cafes playing video games, which local officials say leads to an increase in social problems.

It has been resolved that more than 260 part-time inspectors, mostly elementary school teachers and neighborhood committee officials, will conduct regular spot checks on Internet cafes starting this month.

Students found surfing the Web or playing PC games will be advised to leave the cafe. Their identity will be recorded and reported to school authorities if they refuse to take the advice, although the inspectors have no right to punish any students or cafe bosses.