As kids accumulate more hours of screen time, it becomes crucial to enhance public awareness and education regarding online activities and conduct.
It’s not surprising that young people have grown more reliant on social media and the internet. However, this issue becomes particularly concerning when it persists and intensifies, as evidenced by the most recent comprehensive health assessment of students across Hong Kong.
Stronger collective action is required to halt this trend; otherwise, further adverse social and health repercussions will ensue.
With more than 60 per cent of the children using their online gadgets for entertainment for two hours or more on a typical school day, the situation is worrying.
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Among secondary school students, the percentage reached as high as 80 percent, which is notably greater than the 43 percent observed at the primary school level, as stated in the government’s yearly health report covering the 2023-24 academic year.
The percentage of primary school students logging over two hours of screen time dropped marginally from 47.1 percent during the 2022-23 educational period; however, this figure still notably exceeded the pre-Covid level of 30 percent.
Secondary school students experienced a rise to 78 percent in 2022-23, up from 70 percent before the pandemic.
According to the Department of Health’s recommendations, kids younger than two years old shouldn’t use electronic devices except when engaging in interactive video calls with parental supervision. For children between the ages of two and five, screen time should be limited to less than an hour per day.
Children between the ages of six and 12 should keep their screen time under two hours.
The department recommended that students between the ages of 12 and 18 should acquire effective time-management skills and ensure they take frequent breaks while using electronic devices.
Characterizing it as “rather concerning,” authorities cautioned that excessive screen time could lead to detrimental impacts on children’s vision and overall well-being. Spending extended periods using these gadgets also implies reduced opportunities for social interaction, physical exercise, and educational pursuits.
Australia has enacted legislation prohibiting individuals below the age of 16 from using social media platforms. In contrast, officials in Hong Kong have decided against establishing similar legal restrictions, taking into account aspects like enforceability and societal approval.
Although stringent legal measures might seem drastic, the escalating issue necessitates enhanced public awareness regarding online activities and conduct. Practicing moderation and exercising self-control remain crucial.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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