Hong Kong experts weigh pros and cons of early and extensive use of screens in international school education
- Research suggests too much screen time has negative effects on health, behaviour and performance yet kids still need regular access in order to become digitally native
- Some educators remain concerned about the drawbacks while some parents may even contribute to the problem by granting too much access to screens at home
While children were trapped at home during the height of Hong Kong’s Covid-inspired lockdowns, a largely seamless transition to online learning made it possible for teachers to keep teaching and for classes to keep up with the curriculum.
This has led many to sing praises of the digital world, with the flexibility and access it affords, and to highlight the benefits of getting even the youngest pupils more familiar with the devices and applications of today’s hi-tech environment.
There is no doubt that is happening. But current circumstance also seem to have deflected attention, for the time being at least, from the ongoing and still very important debate about the overuse of electronic devices – both in and outside the classroom setting – and the far-reaching implications it may have for all-round learning and development.
While aware of the touted plus points, many parents and educators are justifiably concerned about the less positive effects of too much screen time and an accompanying shift away from the traditional pillars of a good education.
They see the obvious need for clear rules and limits, not just a laid-back “go with the flow” attitude. In this, their instincts and observations are backed up by a range of academic and medical research which cautions against an unquestioning acceptance of new norms, and offers practical advice and recommendations on how best to proceed and where to draw the lines.
For instance, a 2017 study by the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) found that excessive use of digital devices without parental guidance has a negative impact on children’s behaviour, academic performance and physical health status.
