Hong Kong education leaders are urging government officials to champion robust digital literacy programs and bolster parental involvement instead of implementing a complete prohibition on social media usage for minors, following legislative discussions prompted by Australia’s recent ban for individuals under 16. On December 10, 2025, prominent local educators and policy experts cautioned against an outright restriction, emphasizing that responsible digital citizenship and effective parental supervision offer more sustainable solutions for navigating the complexities of the online world.
The debate intensified after Legislative Council member Lawrence Tang Fei called for Hong Kong to examine international legislative models, particularly concerning social media’s impact on youth mental health and social development. Tang noted that the rapid pace of technological evolution, fueled by artificial intelligence, makes it challenging for conventional educational systems to address platforms that often serve as vectors for cyberbullying, anxiety escalation, and displacement of crucial face-to-face interaction. He pressed the government to actively consider advancing local legislation based on thorough international study.
Prioritizing Responsible Use Over Prohibition
Echoing the sentiment against a blanket ban, secondary school principal Kan Wai-hung, who advises the Hong Kong Association for Computer Education, characterized a sweeping prohibition as both “drastic and disproportionate.” Wai-hung argued that the primary focus must shift from restriction to education. He advocated for teaching young people essential skills to responsibly manage their engagement with digital platforms and providing parents with resources to effectively guide and monitor their children’s screen time.
This viewpoint underscores a growing international recognition that while social media presents significant risks, digital fluency is increasingly critical for academic and professional success.
Examining Legislative Frameworks
While supporting a focus on education, experts advised that Hong Kong should not ignore global legislative trends. Wu Siu-wai, a senior lecturer within the Department of Education Policy and Leadership at the Education University of Hong Kong, stressed the importance of studying overseas approaches.
“How to legislate and the scope of restrictions are matters for further discussion,” Wu stated, highlighting the critical need to balance legitimate parental concerns regarding online safety—including minimizing exposure to scams, harassment, and harmful content—against fostering a child’s requisite digital skills.
Actionable Steps for Digital Parenting
Instead of relying on governmental bans, educators suggest families focus on establishing proactive digital hygiene standards. Practical steps that parents and schools can implement immediately include:
- Mandatory Digital Citizenship Training: Integrating modules into the school curriculum focusing on data privacy, recognizing fake news, and reporting cyberbullying.
- Family Media Plans: Collaboratively drafting agreements between children and parents outlining acceptable platforms, usage duration, and consequences for misuse.
- Open Communication: Maintaining continuous, non-judgmental dialogue about what children encounter online, fostering an environment where they feel safe disclosing uncomfortable interactions.
Hong Kong authorities now face the challenge of developing a robust policy that protects minors without unduly hindering the development of fundamental digital competencies required in a technology-driven future. The discussion initiated by educators suggests that constructive guidance and education will prove far more effective than outright prohibition.