The Department of Health (DH) today (September 9) held a seminar on “Public Health Issues of Excessive Use of Internet, Computers, Smartphones and Similar Electronic Devices”, providing a platform for local professionals and key partners to learn from and discuss with overseas experts and advisers of the World Health Organization on the issue of tackling potential health risks relating to the use of Internet and electronic screen products.

     In her opening remarks at the seminar, the Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, said, “More and more people are using Internet and electronic screen products. The age of using these products is getting younger and the amount of time spent is increasing. According to a survey by our Department in late 2013 to early 2014, the median age of pre-school children starting to use computers was 24 months and that for tablets was 16 months.

     In view of the concerns of potential health risks relating to the use of the Internet and electronic screen products, the DH convened the Advisory Group on Health Effects of Use of Internet and Electronic Screen Products in 2013.

     Dr Chan added, “The Advisory Group acknowledged that the Internet and related technology could bring a lot of benefits and convenience to our everyday life but there were also potential risks, especially on health. Children and adolescents are in particular vulnerable as they are less able to self-regulate.

     “Based on the recommendations by the Advisory Group, we have produced different sets of health tips for students, parents and teachers with the aims to allow the younger generations as well as general public to use the Internet and relevant electronic products in healthy ways and to minimise the adverse health effects on improper and excessive use. We have been working with different partners to disseminate these health messages through various channels over the past two years."

     More than 170 participants joined the half-day seminar this morning. The seminar was held in support of the meeting on Policy and Programme Responses to Mental and Behavioural Disorders associated with Excessive Use of the Internet and other Communication and Gaming Platforms co-organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the DH in Hong Kong from September 6 to 8.

     Today’s seminar featured a presentation on the work of the WHO by the Coordinator, Management of Substance Abuse, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse of WHO Headquarters, Dr Vladimir Poznyak; a presentation session on country experience; and two panel discussions entitled “Challenges for prevention and control of health problems associated with excessive use of internet and related products in children and adolescents” and “Impact of the new technology on population health."

Ends/Friday, September 9, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:53

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