Question

Discuss how Hong Kong and international approaches in the management of the overuse of electronic devices.

such as policy management or education or health tips to improve people on excessive use.

Answer 1

Overuse of electronic devices

Overuse of electronic devices such as computer, personal computer ,smartphone ,video games, tablets, e-book and television are increased rapidly .Now a days the people can not able to think life without this electronic devices because the influence of this electronic devices in our daily life greater. The information and communication technologies help to gain more information and variety of functions such as learning, entertainment ,social interaction, information exchange etc,

Prolonged and inappropriate use of this devices results in lot of harmful effects in physical and psychosocial health. The children and adolescents are more vulnerable group who effects the harmful effects of this devices. The department of health in Hong Kong give policies and recommendations to over come the problem of overuse of electronic devices.

Health problems related to overuse of electronic devices

Physical health

:vision__prolonged use of electronic devices cause problems in eye and visual problem. This include ocular discomfort, head ache ,blurred vision, double vision, eye straining, dry eye.

:hearing problems __prolonged use of electronic device with high sound cause Permanent hearing impairment .

:injury and accident ___the activities like driving with use of electronic devices results in injuries or accident because of lack of concentration .

:musculoskeletal problems ___improper or fixed posture while using electronic devices cause musculoskeletal problems.

:obesity:prolonged sitting in front of electronic devices with sedentary lifestyle cause obesity and decreasing physical fitness.

:infections :unhygienic practice while sharing and handling of electronic devices resulting in easy spreading of infection

Psychosocial health

:cyber-bullying __it is major problem in using prolonged use of internet it cause lot of psychological problems in victims of cyber bullying.

:addiction ___prolonged use of this devices cause addiction in children and adolescents.

:Decreased social development ___because of prolonged use of electronic devices result in decreased social interaction and it will reduce the social development in children .

:sleep deprivation ___use of this devices results in lot of sleep and associated health problems.

:aggressive behavior

:online sexual risky behaviour___it is due to lack of awareness.

Recommendation to overcome this problem

The parents and teachers have the key responsibilities to prevent harmful effects from the use of electronic devices.

For parents and teachers

:parents and teacher show right attitude to children.

:parents and teachers are aware about benefits and risk of this devices.

:encutage the balanced healthy lifestyle among children and adolescents.

:give proper guidance and education

:facilitate open communication and not judge the children and trust them.

:if needed seek experts opinion and professional help.

For children and adolescents

:developed balanced healthy lifestyle

:aware about potential risk of use of electronic devices

:give respect and trust teachers and parents.

:open communication with parents and teachers.

Health tips to overcome the harmful effects of electronic devices overuse

1)encourage physical activity _physical activity helpful to prevent obesity and musculoskeletal problems..3 hours of physical activities for pre-schooler and 1 hour activities for school children.

2)encurage interactive activities in real life__promote group activities and interactive plays.

3)limit screen time

4)take appropriate rest__rest for 20 to 30 second for every 20 to 30 min of screen time. Change position frequently and blink the eyes and do musclerelaxation exercise.

5)Take proper distance from screen,in computer take 50cm distance, in smartphone the distance become 30cm and in tablet it is 40 CM distance.

6)protect hearing by reducing the volume of devices

7)follow hygienic practices like hand washing while handling such devices and avoid unnecessary sharing of fevices

8)maintain adequate sleep time

9)be aware about cyber safety

10)restrict reach in unwanted activities