Hong Kong study links social media use to increased family conflict

A survey by the Hong Kong Institute of Family Education reveals that social media and excessive screen time are significant drivers of domestic conflict. More than 80 per cent of family disputes reported by respondents are tied to screen use, with over 60 per cent of parents noting conflicts regarding their children's social media activity.

The findings highlight a trend of increasing recreational screen time as children age. Approximately 34.7 per cent of kindergarten pupils spend at least one hour daily on social media or videos, approaching the one-hour limit recommended by international health bodies for children aged two to five. Among older students, the usage exceeds recommended thresholds significantly: about 60 per cent of junior secondary students and two-thirds of senior secondary students exceed the two-hour daily cap for leisure use. Notably, 30 per cent of senior secondary students use social media for six hours or more per day.

In response to these trends, the institute has suggested that the government implement legislation to set age limits for social media use, specifically recommending restrictions for those under 16. Additionally, the institute advocates for stronger regulation of platform operators and the establishment of unified digital device usage guidelines for schools and families.