Recommendations
In 2013, the Department of Health convened the Advisory Group on Health Effects of Use of Internet and Electronic Screen Products (the Advisory Group) to address the concern for potential health risks related to the increasing use of Internet and electronic screen products. In 2014, the Advisory Group published e-Report which sheds lights on important areas that could help children and young people to make better use of Internet and electronic screen products. Recommendations and practical tips are provided for parents and teachers to guide and support their children and students.
In 2018, the recommendations on healthy use of internet were updated.
Health Tips
- Consecutive use for more than one hour of internet and other electronic screen products is discouraged
- Engage in interactive activities in real life
- Limit screen time
- Under 2 years old: Avoid contact with any electronic screen products unless for interactive video-chat under parents’ guidance
- 2 to 5 years old: Limit screen time to one hour a day
- 6 to 12 years old: Limit recreational screen time to less than two hours a day
- 12 to 18 years old: Adolescents should learn good time management, and take regular breaks if prolonged screen time for study purpose is unavoidable
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break to view something at least 20 feet away for every 20 minutes
- 30-40-50 principle: keep a reading distance no less than 30cm for smartphones, 40cm for tablet personal computers and 50cm for computers
- Protect hearing, prevent accident and pay attention to hygiene
- Ensure adequate sleep time and appropriate environment
- Be aware of cyber-safety
- Behave oneself when using internet and social networking sites
- Restrict access to inappropriate content