Children on their phones on the platform of Lok Fu MTR station on June 13. The US surgeon general is calling for warning labels to be applied to social media platforms, sparking discussion over the issue in Hong Kong. Photo: Jelly Tse
Opinion
Yolina Siu and Paul Yip
Yolina Siu and Paul Yip
Could social media warning labels help protect Hong Kong youth?
Displaying warnings similar to those on tobacco products can raise public awareness of the risks of social media – but that may not be enough
In an era where online interactions have become the norm alongside face-to-face conversations, a recent proposal by US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy for cautionary labels on social media platforms is a resounding call to action. The push sends an important message that we in Hong Kong and others must acknowledge.
Social media is no longer just a playground for teenagers. It has become a central aspect of their social lives, and we see this trend in our city. Adolescents engage with social media daily, and this high level of involvement can lead to an increase in social isolation, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Murthy’s comparison between the risks posed by social media and those associated with tobacco is especially striking. It should resonate strongly within our community, which has a history of taking proactive public health steps like initiatives to help people quit smoking. However, how it is carried out and what meaningful alternatives are provided must also be considered.
Should Hong Kong consider implementing warning labels on social media platforms, and what other steps should we take to protect young people? Adding labels could be a starting point to raise public awareness. They would act as a reminder of the dangers, encouraging parents and carers to have important conversations with their children about safety and mental well-being.
Applying warning labels similar to those applied to tobacco products might not be enough on its own, though. The gravity of the situation demands a comprehensive approach, which includes education, regulation and support systems.
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For starters, it is essential that we include media literacy in our education system. Young people need to learn how to use technology and develop critical-thinking skills. This includes understanding the strategies employed by platforms such as infinite scrolling and personalised algorithms that can alter people’s behaviour.
In terms of regulation, Hong Kong might want to consider provisions limiting algorithms that promote content targeting minors. This could shield children from harm stemming from large amounts of screen time while promoting digital responsibility standards.
Moreover, adopting rules akin to those on the mainland on the protection of minors could empower parents while respecting children’s independence and privacy. There are ways for teenagers to get around such regulatory measures, of course.
Meanwhile, promoting mental wellness and improving support within the community is essential. Teachers and counsellors should be trained to address students’ mental well-being. Public awareness campaigns should aim to reduce the stigma around mental health and ensure resources are easily accessible.
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In addition, the tech industry has a responsibility to prioritise user welfare over profits. The governance standards being adopted by many listed companies in Hong Kong should include precautions to safeguard vulnerable young people in the city.
Social media companies need to be pushed to make user health a central focus of their business practices. Fines or other penalties could be considered if they ignore their responsibilities, including being open about their operations and collaborating with researchers to understand how their platforms affect users.
Last but not least, there is the old saying that if you can’t beat them, join them. We need to be innovative in how we engage young people online. Social media platforms need to have more infotainment and edutainment content which interests young people.
US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy speaks during an event at the White House in Washington on April 23. Murthy is asking Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms that are similar to those on cigarette packets. Photo: AP
We also need to carefully evaluate the effectiveness of youth mental wellness promotional campaigns. The round-the-clock online counselling platform Open Up offers an opportunity to engage at-risk youth online, and reports from users appear to be encouraging.
Murthy’s call for warning labels should represent the start of a comprehensive effort to protect Hong Kong’s young people from the negative effects of social media. At the same time, we need to provide meaningful alternatives to get young people to spend less time online.
Hong Kong has an opportunity to set a positive example by balancing progress with well-being. By adopting a holistic approach, we can empower young people and give them the tools they need to navigate the digital world safely with technology that supports their development.
Yolina Siu is a counsellor at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the 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
