In an era when online interactions have become commonplace alongside face-to-face conversations, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently said: Social media warning labels The launch of this platform is a major call to action. This initiative sends an important message that people in Hong Kong and beyond must take notice of.
Social media is no longer just a teenager’s playground. Central Aspects Their social lives are changing, and we are seeing this trend in our cities too. Get involved on social media Such high levels of engagement, day in and day out, can lead to increased social isolation, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Murthy compared the risks posed by social media with those associated with it. With a cigarette “This is especially striking, and it should resonate strongly with our community, which has a history of aggressive public health measures, including efforts to help people,” he said. Quitting SmokingBut we also need to consider how it will be implemented and what meaningful alternatives it will provide.
Should Hong Kong consider putting warning labels on social media platforms, and what other measures should it take to protect young people? Labeling could be a starting point for raising public awareness. The labels would serve as a reminder of the dangers and encourage parents and guardians to have important conversations with their children. Safety and Mental Health.
But simply sticking warning labels similar to those on tobacco products may not be enough: the seriousness of the issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, regulation and support systems.
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First, it is important to build media literacy into the education system. Young people need to learn how to use technology and develop critical thinking skills. This includes things like infinite scrolling and Personalized Algorithms It can change people’s behavior.
On the regulatory front, Hong Kong may need to consider provisions restricting algorithms such as: Content targeted to minorsThis will help protect children from the harms that come from excessive screen time whilst promoting digital responsibility standards.
Moreover, introducing rules for protecting minors similar to those in mainland China would strengthen parental authority while respecting children’s independence and privacy. Of course, there are ways for teenagers to get around such restrictions.
Meanwhile, promoting mental health and improving support within communities is essential. Teachers and counselors need to be trained to address students’ mental health. Public awareness campaigns should: Stigma surrounding mental health Make resources easily accessible.
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Additionally, the tech industry has a responsibility to prioritize user well-being over profits. Governance Standards The restrictions put in place by many of Hong Kong’s listed companies should also include preventative measures to protect Hong Kong’s vulnerable young people.
Social media companies need to be pressured to put the health of their users at the heart of their business, and fines and other penalties could be on the table if they fail to fulfill their responsibilities, such as being open about their practices and working with researchers to understand health outcomes. Their platform influences users.
Lastly, as the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Innovative ways are needed to engage the youth online. Social media platforms need more infotainment and edutainment content to capture the interest of the youth.
US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy speaks at an event at the White House in Washington on April 23. Murthy has called on Congress to require social media platforms to require warning labels similar to those that appear on cigarette packs. Photo: AP
There is also a need to carefully evaluate the effectiveness of youth mental health promotion campaigns. Open Up It provides an opportunity to engage at-risk young people online, and reports from users seem encouraging.
Murthy’s call for warning labels should be the start of a comprehensive effort to protect Hong Kong’s youth from the harmful effects of social media, while at the same time providing them with meaningful alternatives to reduce the time they spend online.
Hong Kong has an opportunity to set a positive example by balancing progress and well-being. By taking a holistic approach, we can empower young people and provide them with the tools they need to safely navigate the digital world with technology that supports their development.
Yorina Siu is a counsellor at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Hong Kong.
Paul Yip is director of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong.
