Press Release
DH's report on health effects of use of Internet and electronic screen products released
8 July 2014
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 the healthy use of the 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 for children and adolescents relating to the increasing use of the Internet and related electronic screen products."
He added, "While acknowledging the benefits that the 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 to use the Internet and electronic screen products wisely."
In view of the rapid development of the Internet and electronic screen products, such as televisions, computer games, e-books and magazines, computers and mobile phones, and the related health concerns for children and adolescents, the DH convened the Advisory Group on Health Effects of Use of Internet and Electronic Screen Products in December 2013 to address the concerns.
To facilitate the work of the Advisory Group, the DH conducted a survey on the use of the Internet and electronic screen products among pre-school children and 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 the Internet and electronic screen products is very popular.
The survey revealed that the median age of pre-schoolers starting to watch television is 8 months, that for watching DVDs is 10 months, that for using tablet PCs is 16 months and that for using computers is 24 months. The youngest starting age for use of these electronic screen products is at 1 month or below. Only 14 per cent and 12 per cent of the parents would always accompany their pre-school children in using tablet personal computers and computers respectively.
Moreover, 20 per cent of primary and secondary school students spent more than three hours a day on the Internet. Around 50 per cent of parents considered their children had spent excessive amounts of time on the Internet and said it affected their daily lives, and 64 per cent 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 per cent expressed that they had always or occasionally given up outdoor activities, 49 per cent always or occasionally had depleted sleeping time, 45 per cent had always or occasionally perceived their academic performance being affected due to use of the Internet or electronic screen products, and 19 per cent had always or occasionally deceived their parents, friends or teachers on the time spent going online.
"There is strong evidence to support a proportional relationship between obesity and screen time, which is more related to a sedentary lifestyle and other associated behaviour during these activities like snacking and decreased sleep time," Dr Chung said.
The Advisory Group considered that it is more important to prevent children from spending excessive amounts of time on the Internet and electronic screen products that would affect their other more important tasks or daily routines.
Making reference to information and suggestions by relevant overseas and local authorities, the Advisory Group made the following recommendations in the Report:
1. Parents and teachers are recommended to adopt the general principles of SAFE ACTS:
- 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:
- 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
The Advisory Group also recommended a set of 10 health tips as follows:
1. Be physically active, go outdoors;
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 settings;
6. Protect hearing, prevent accidents and pay attention to hygiene;
7. Ensure adequate sleep time and an 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 Ko Tak-chuen of the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong pointed out that myopia is associated with near work tasks, and overuse of electronic screen products will increase the risk of myopia progression. Dr Lam Chor-yin of the 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, the back and upper limbs.
In addition, Dr Anita Tsang of the Hong Kong College of Paediatricians stressed that parents' face-to-face interactions with young children are very important to their social development. Dr Ronnie Pao of the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists added that addiction, cyber-bullying and other psychosocial health issues are important concerns relating to use of the Internet and electronic screen products.
Dr Chung said, "The Report provides useful recommendations that could help minimise the risks of 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 the Internet and electronic screen products in our young generations. The DH will continue to monitor the latest developments and work with other partners to take further steps to promote the healthy use of the 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 the DH's Student Health Service ( www.shs.gov.hk/english/internet/health_effects.html ).
