Screen time on rise as Hong Kong toddlers given electronic devices as ‘e-pacifiers’ from before age of one
Department of Health warns excessive use of screens at such a young age could harm the development of eyes and bones as well as have a negative effect on exercise intake and interpersonal skills
Toddlers in Hong Kong younger than the age of one are being given electronic devices as “e-pacifiers”, while the number of children spending long hours on devices is five times higher than three years ago, the Department of Health has found.
This has led to more family quarrels and sparked worries about the effect on academic performance, according to the department’s survey which polled 1,300 preschool children, primary school pupils and their parents.
According to the poll the median age for toddlers to use a smartphone for the first time was at the age of one.
Doctors warned this habit could hinder the development of children’s eyes and bones, reduce the amount of exercise they take, worsen their interpersonal skills and make them more prone to addictive behaviour in later life.
Switch off your phones and play outside, Hong Kong children told
“We understand the use of electronic products has become more popular over the years due to the development of technology, so such a trend is understandable,” said Dr Thomas Chung Wai-hung, the department’s consultant community medicine of student health service.