The Department of Health (DH) today (July 8) released the Report of Advisory Group on Health Effects of Use of Internet and Electronic Screen Products. The Report contains recommendations on healthy use of Internet and electronic screen products for children, adolescents, parents and teachers.

The Consultant Community Medicine (Student Health Service) of the DH, Dr Thomas Chung, said “We are very concerned about the potential health risks on children and adolescents relating to the increasing use of Internet and related electronic screen products.”

He added, “While acknowledging the benefits that Internet and related technology could bring to our everyday life, the Report highlights the potential health risks that we should be aware of and makes recommendations to help our children and adolescents in using the Internet and electronic screen products wisely.”

In view of the rapid development of Internet and electronic screen products, such as televisions, computer games, e-books and magazines, computers and mobile phones, and the related health concerns on children and adolescents, the DH convened the Advisory Group on Health Effects of Use of Internet and Electronic Screen Products (Advisory Group) in December 2013 to address the concern.

To facilitate the work of the Advisory Group, the DH conducted a survey on the use of Internet and electronic screen products among pre-school children, primary and secondary school students as well as their parents and teachers in December 2013. Among the 4,300 questionnaires collected, it found that the use of Internet and electronic screen products was very popular.

The survey revealed that the median age of pre-schoolers started watching television is 8 months, that for watching DVD is 10 months, that for using tablet PC is 16 months and that for using computer is 24 months. The youngest starting age of using these electronic screen products was at 1 month or below. Only 14% and 12% of the parents would always accompany their pre-school children in using tablet personal computer and computer respectively.

Moreover, 20% of primary and secondary school students spent more than 3 hours a day on the Internet. Around 50 % of parents considered their children had spent excessive amount of time on the Internet and affected their daily lives, and 64 % of parents had always or occasionally quarrelled with their children due to use of the Internet or electronic screen products.

The survey also indicated that 37% expressed that they had always or occasionally given up outdoor activities, 49% had always or occasionally had depleted sleeping time, 45% had always or occasionally perceived their academic performance being affected due to use of the Internet or electronic screen products, and 19% had always or occasionally had deceived their parents, friends or teachers on the time of going online.

“There is strong evidence to support proportional relationship between obesity and screen time, which is more relating to sedentary lifestyle and other associated behaviour during these activities like snacking and decreased sleep time,” Dr Chung said.

The Advisory Group considered that it was more important to prevent children from spending excessive amount of time on Internet and electronic screen products that would affect their other more important tasks or daily routine.

1. Parents and teachers are recommended to adopt the general principles of SAFE ACTS, i.e.

   • Show children the right attitude
   • Aware of the benefits and risks
   • Facilitate a balanced life
   • Empower children to face challenges
   • Agree with children on the rules of use
   • Communicate openly
   • Trust and respect children
   • Seek help when needed

2. Children and adolescents are also recommended to adopt the general principles of DARES, i.e.

   • Develop a balanced life
   • Aware of the benefits and risks
   • Respect and trust parents and teachers
   • Effectively communicate with parents and teachers
   • Seek help when needed

1. Be physically active, go outdoor
2. Engage in interactive activities in real life
3. Limit screen time and choose screen activities wisely
4. Blink, break and rest
5. Adopt proper setting
6. Protect hearing, prevent accident and pay attention to hygiene
7. Ensure adequate sleep time and appropriate environment
8. Be aware of cyber-safety
9. Behave oneself when using Internet and social networking sites
10. Restrict access to inappropriate content

Also attending the press conference today, Dr Tak-chuen Ko of College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong pointed out that myopia was associated to near work task, and overuse of electronic screen products will increase the risk of myopia progression. Dr Chor-yin Lam of Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons also remarked that people using these products often neglect proper posture and movement, resulting in musculoskeletal symptoms including pain in the neck, back and upper limbs.

In addition, Dr Anita Tsang of Hong Kong College of Paediatricians stressed that parents’ face to face interactions with young children were very important to their social development. Dr Ronnie Pao of Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists also supplemented that addiction, cyber-bullying and other psychosocial health issues were important concerns relating use of Internet and electronic screen products.

Dr Thomas Chung said, “The Report provides useful recommendations that could help minimize the risks on related health problems.”

This is the first step to remind the public and relevant stakeholders to take appropriate measures to minimise the adverse health effects relating to the use of Internet and electronic screen products in our young generations. The DH will continue to monitor the latest development and join hands with other partners to take further steps to promote the healthy use of Internet and electronic screen products.

Dr Chung expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all members of the Advisory Group for their professional advice and invaluable contributions.

The executive summary and full version of the Report are now available on the website of DH’s Student Health Service
(https://www.shs.gov.hk/english/internet/health_effects.html).