Screen Time Versus Play Time: Practical Tips for Hong Kong Parents
Average recreational screen use among primary pupils in Hong Kong now exceeds two hours per day. Excess sedentary time is linked to poorer eyesight, weaker posture, and disrupted sleep patterns. Balancing devices with movement is not about banning technology but about shaping healthy habits.
Age‑Based Screen Guidelines at a Glance
Under two: video calls only.
Two to five: one hour per day of high‑quality programmes watched with an adult whenever possible.
Six and up: create a family media plan that puts homework, sleep, and physical activity first.
Five Ways to Tilt the Balance Toward Play
Standing Family Challenges
Do twenty star jumps before any video starts.
Device‑Free Doors
Keep tablets and phones out of bedrooms to encourage deeper sleep.
Micro‑Practice Videos in the Total Sports App
Coaches post short skill clips that turn living‑room downtime into active learning.
Active Chores
Time children cleaning up toys and celebrate new personal bests.
Outdoor Adventures
Schedule weekend hikes at Dragon’s Back or beach games at Repulse Bay.
Final Thought
Replacing just fifteen minutes of scrolling with fifteen of movement adds up to ninety active hours every six months – a powerful change for young bodies and minds.
