Hong Kong educators have called for a focus on digital literacy instead of an outright ban for teenagers, while a lawmaker has urged local legislative studies, following Australia's move to prohibit social media access for children under 16.
Kan Wai-hung, an advisor to the Hong Kong Association for Computer Education and a secondary school principal, described a ban as "a drastic and disproportionate way to solve the problem." He argued the focus should be on educating young people on the proper use of social platforms and helping parents manage their children's screen time.
Wu Siu-wai, a senior lecturer at the Education University of Hong Kong's Department of Education Policy and Leadership, said the city should at least understand the legislative situation overseas. "How to legislate and the extent of restrictions are topics for follow-up discussion," he said, noting the need to balance parental concerns with children's familiarity with the online environment. He acknowledged risks including scams, cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.
Legislative Council member Lawrence Tang Fei said social media is developing rapidly, especially with AI, making it hard for education to keep pace. He cited platforms as main venues for cyberbullying and contributors to youth anxiety, while reducing real-world social interaction. Tang said Hong Kong should research the experiences of other regions and actively promote local legislation accordingly.
