Hong Kong experts urge ban on social media for under-16s
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong education experts and lawmakers are urging the government to legislate a ban on social media use for children under 16, arguing that social media addiction is irreversible and poses severe threats to youth development including cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content . The proposal was discussed at a panel on Saturday, with supporters saying legislation is needed to protect the next generation and raise public awareness, though critics note the need for broader social consensus and youth engagement .
Key Points
- Veteran educator Lilian Chan Lui Ling-yee, honorary president of the Yan Oi Association of Principals, called social media addiction the biggest problem facing education and said legislation was essential to protect children .
- Chan warned that addiction is irreversible, comparing it to losing a compass at sea, and said a ban would raise awareness about protecting children from pornography and cyberbullying .
- A New Youth Forum survey of 686 residents aged 18 or above from May 22 to June 5 found 61.8 per cent supported legislation, with parental support rising to 76.3 per cent .
- The poll revealed a sharp generational divide: 51.7 per cent of 18- to 29-year-olds opposed the ban, while older age groups were far more supportive .
- Tang Wing-chun, convenor of the New Youth Forum, said enacting such a law would be lengthy and require greater engagement with young people and more education for parents and children .
Why It Matters
The proposal reflects growing global concern about youth social media use, with Hong Kong potentially following international peers in restricting minors' access, though the generational divide in public opinion suggests significant challenges in building consensus .
The proposal reflects growing global concern about youth social media use, with Hong Kong potentially following international peers in restricting minors' access, though the generational divide in public opinion suggests significant challenges in building consensus .