52% of Hong Kong’s underprivileged children spend over 2 hours a day on devices

A survey conducted by the community group, Society for Community Organisation (SoCO), has revealed that over half of Hong Kong's underprivileged children spend more than two hours a day on electronic devices. These children, many of whom suffer from vision problems, attention issues, sleep disturbances, and addiction, are using screens as their primary form of cheap entertainment.

SoCO assistant director, Wong Chi-yuen, expressed concern about the already significant damage caused by excessive screen time, noting that more than half of the children have vision problems, with nearly 30% admitting to addiction. The Department of Health's 2018 guidelines recommend limiting screen time for children under two, under an hour for two to five-year-olds, and less than two hours a day for six to 12-year-olds.

SoCO urged the authorities to keep students on campus longer, introduce full-day kindergartens, and subsidise extra-curricular activities for underprivileged pupils. Daily screen time increased with age, with six to eight-year-olds averaging 4.53 hours and 15 to 18-year-olds averaging 8.53 hours. The group also recommended extending school hours, introducing full-day kindergartens, and opening campus facilities after class to provide children with alternative healthy activities.