Mainland censors have ordered a ban on television and radio advertisements promoting telephone fortune-telling services, citing the psychological well-being of the nation's youth.
The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television had outlawed ads for text and phone geomancy services on the grounds that they promote superstition, the media watchdog announced on its website.
'Any ads that harm young minds or violate regulations will be banned immediately,' the administration said.
'Broadcast and television advertisements should respect the [spirit] of science. They should not promote superstition or pseudo-science.'
The administration urged television and radio stations to monitor commercials for text messages or fee-based telephone services touting superstitious content.
Interest in fortune-telling spikes every year on the mainland around the start of the Lunar New Year.