That the younger generation has become increasingly addicted to social media and the internet is nothing new. But it does prompt deeper reflection when the problem continues to worsen, as shown in the latest citywide health check on Hong Kong students.
More concerted efforts are needed to curb the trend or more negative social and health consequences will occur.
With more than 60 per cent of the children using their online gadgets for entertainment for two hours or more on a typical school day, the situation is worrying.
The figure among secondary school students was even higher at 80 per cent compared with 43 per cent at the primary school level, according to the government’s annual health report for the 2023-24 school year.
The number of primary school pupils who recorded screen time of more than two hours declined slightly from the 47.1 per cent in the 2022-23 academic year, but remained significantly higher than the 30 per cent before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Secondary school students saw an increase from 78 per cent in 2022-23, and 70 per cent in pre-Covid times.
