How much screen time should children have? Hong Kong’s John Lee to seek expert advice
Government source rules out bans but backs tougher restrictions on device use in schools and homes under new initiative within policy address
Hong Kong authorities will seek to further limit young children’s use of mobile digital devices, including social media access, by updating the city’s guidelines as part of health initiatives set to be unveiled in Wednesday’s policy address, the Post has learned.
The planned review of the guidelines comes amid tightening controls in some countries on minors’ device usage and the ongoing trend of Hong Kong children having the highest myopia incidence rates globally, alongside a notable increase in students’ recreational screen time in recent years.
Authorities would consult experts on encouraging proper mobile device use among students, and the current guidelines specifying screen time limits by age could be revised accordingly, a government source said.
“The government will not resort to legislation to ban the use of such devices as children are using them for learning,” the insider said.
“But more can be done – can we discourage the use of mobile phones on campus? Should younger pupils in primary schools have access to social media?”
Another insider said that the advisory committee on mental health under the Health Bureau would discuss the issue by the end of this month.