Smartphones should only be given to children responsibly
Hong Kong parents are increasingly turning to mobile devices to keep their children entertained, seemingly oblivious to the physical and mental risks
Such concerns should be enough for thoughts to turn to more traditional ways of keeping offspring occupied, yet increasingly, parents seem unaware of the risks. A Hong Kong Department of Health survey found that babies as young as one were being given smartphones to keep them calm and entertained. A total of 13.1 per cent of primary school pupils questioned spent more than three hours a day surfing the internet, a fivefold increase since the last survey in 2014.
The internet offers access to powerful educational tools, a wealth of information and the ability to connect with friends. But the portability of smartphones also enables use without parental supervision.
The devices should only be given when the time and circumstances are right, and common sense should dictate that is when a child knows how to act responsibly. Given the health warnings from doctors, smartphones are not for babies and infants, and even with older children the internet and mobile devices should not be introduced without restrictions; starting off with internet parental controls and handsets with only phone and texting functions would be a good first step on the technology ladder.