A revised regulation to protect minors is going into effect from this Thursday in south China's Guangdong province.

According to the new regulations, for the first time in China, parents who allow their children to stay out late unaccompanied by guardians will be subject to punishment. Adults are also forbidden to leave minors alone in vehicles, and those under 12 should not be allowed to sit next to the driver.

Yang Jianguang, head of the drafters of the regulation, says it is also the first time provisions are being made to protect the mental health of the young.

"We have seen the serious impact of the deadly earthquake in Sichuan on school life. So it is important for schools to provide psychological counseling to students after emergencies. According to the new regulation, schools will be punished if it fails to offer such help."

In addition, the regulation states schools should have more toilets for female students. It also forbids minors to smoke or drink alcohol.

Yang Jianguang added these provisions will help establish a self-protection mechanism for the minors.