‘Screen time’ is any time that is spent in front of a screen, such as a television, computer, mobile screen media devices or video game player. Excessive screen time has negative impact on youth’s physical, psychological and social development.
Screen time activity is sedentary. Spending excessive screen time can reduce youth’s chance of having outdoor activities and physical exercises which in turn has adverse effect on their health and development. For example, too much screen time can increase the risk of becoming obese, hinder the social skill development of youth and reduce their interaction with family.
Local Statistics on Screen Time among Youth
(1) Proportion of Youth aged 13 to 19 who spent 3 hours or more on screen activities (including watching TV, using cell phone and computer, or playing video games) for an average day before enumeration by sex, in 2008 and 2011/12
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2008*
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2011/12*
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Male
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Weekdays: 43.3%
Weekends and PHs: 64.8%
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25.9%
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Female
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Weekdays: 39.8%
Weekends and PHs: 59.2%
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25.4%
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Overall
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Weekdays: 41.6%
Weekends and PHs: 62.1%
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25.7%
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Note:
* Weighted figures (based on 13-19 years old samples)
- As there were differences in research methodology for surveys in different years, direct comparison of the data should be done with caution.
Sources of data:
Consultancy Study on Sport for All – Participation Patterns of Hong Kong People in Physical Activities. Summary Report. Hong Kong SAR: Leisure and Cultural Services Department; 2009
Healthy Exercise for All Campaign – Physical Fitness Test for the Community. Final Summary Report. Hong Kong SAR: Leisure and Cultural Services Department; 2012