The Legislative Council of Hong Kong recently discussed the impact of social media on children and adolescents, prompted by a question from Hon Tang Fei regarding measures to address increasing concerns about internet addiction and privacy risks. The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, provided a comprehensive response detailing the government’s current strategies and future plans to understand and mitigate the effects of social media on young people’s emotional health, personality development, and academic performance.
Government Initiatives for Research
The government is considering commissioning scientific research tailored to Hong Kong’s unique social context to assess the impact of social media on children and adolescents. The Advisory Group on Health Effects of the Use of Internet and Electronic Screen Products was established in 2013, and it aims to provide continuous updates and health recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence. The upcoming health recommendations, expected by 2026, will take into account guidelines from organizations like the World Health Organization and experiences from other countries.
Assessment of Current Recommendations
There is ongoing scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of the Education Bureau’s recommendations, which focus primarily on managing mobile phone usage in schools. The government has not yet assessed how these guidelines affect students outside of school hours or their ability to mitigate the negative impact of social media content. This gap highlights a potential need for further research and evaluation of existing strategies.
Collaborative Research and Non-Legislative Approaches
The government is also considering implementing pilot schemes in schools to explore non-legislative approaches to managing students’ social media use. These initiatives might include promoting a digital health charter and enhancing collaboration between homes and schools, designed to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing social media’s adverse effects on students.
Parental Involvement and Guidelines
Recognizing the challenges schools face in managing social media use after hours, the government is exploring specific guidelines for parents. This could involve mechanisms requiring parental consent for children to register social media accounts, aiming to foster responsible usage and greater parental oversight.
Takeaway
This development is significant for families and individuals navigating the complexities of social media and its impact on youth. By prioritizing research and the consideration of non-legislative measures, the Hong Kong government seeks to develop a more informed approach to managing the mental health of children and adolescents in the digital age. The inclusion of parental guidelines emphasizes the importance of family involvement in fostering healthy online habits. As internet addiction and its effects become increasingly prevalent, proactive measures and collaborative efforts between authorities, schools, and families will be crucial in addressing these challenges effectively.
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