Hong Kong opts against screen time restrictions despite health concerns

Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)

Hong Kong authorities have decided not to impose legal restrictions on screen time for children. This decision comes even after a report on student screen use by the city’s Department of Health.

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said it is not feasible to set a strict limit on screen time because electronic devices are learning tools.

The Department of Health published its student health report for the last school year.

The report found that more than 60 per cent of participants in a self-reported survey reported using screens for entertainment for at least two hours on a typical school day. This included 80 per cent of secondary school students and 43 per cent of elementary students.

The Department of Health recommends that children under two should not use electronic screens except for interactive video chats. For children aged two to five, daily screen time should be no more than one hour. For children aged between six and 12, the screen time should be less than two hours.

The department suggested students aged 12 to 18 take regular breaks when using electronic devices.

Quiz time

1. What percentage of Hong Kong students use screens for more than two hours on a typical school day?

2. According to the Department of Health, what is the recommended screen time for children aged two to five?

3. Why did Hong Kong authorities choose not to impose legal restrictions on screen time for children?

4. What does the Department of Health suggest for students aged 12 to 18 regarding screen time?

For children aged between six and 12, the Department of Health recommends that screen time be less than two hours. Photo: Shutterstock

Suggested answers

1. over 60 per cent

2. not more than one hour

3. because electronic devices have become essential tools for learning

4. they should learn good time management and take regular breaks