Talk of the town : Call for Limiting Screen Time for Students
【明報專訊】The Department of Health has recently released the Annual Report on Student Health Services for the 2023/24 school year. It has found that 61% of primary and secondary school students spent at least two hours daily using electronic screen devices for entertainment purposes.
The department's spokesperson described the situation as concerning, reminding that prolonged screen time has negative impacts on health. In light of this issue, some legislators have asked the government whether they will prohibit or restrict the use of electronic screen products for children aged 0 to 3, and develop guidelines for teenagers' computer usage. The government has responded that they have no intention to set benchmarks for internet usage and have currently no plans for legislation.
Health tips on using Internet
and Electronic Gadgets
It is essential to learn how to use computers nowadays to access new knowledge and stay updated on current affairs. However, we should be mindful of how to stay healthy when using the Internet and electronic gadgets:
1. "30-40-50" rule
Maintain a reading distance of no less than 50 cm for computers, 40 cm for tablet PCs, and 30 cm for smartphones.
2. "20-20-20" rule
Take a 20-second break to view something at least 20 feet away for every 20 minutes.
3. Be physically active and engage in interactive activities in real life.
4. Ensure adequate sleep time and an appropriate environment.
Moreover, we should be cautious about any potential dangers we may encounter in this complex cyber world. It is important to protect our privacy and avoid disclosing personal information to prevent others from taking advantage of us. Lastly, we should behave respectfully while interacting with others on the Internet and never engage in cyberbullying.
■Grammar booster
Take advantage of smone/smthg
To treat someone badly in order to get something good from them.
E.g. Some companies take advantage of their employees' need for income by offering low wages and poor working conditions.
■Gear up
(Answers on next text)
1. In Hong Kong, children aged 0 to 3 are not allowed to use a mobile phone.
(True/ False)
Fill in the blanks with the glossary below.
2. The increase in crime in the city is very ________.
3. He received an anonymous letter threatening to _______ details of his information if he didn't pay the money.
■Glossary
concerning (adj) 令人擔心的
benchmark (n) 標準
disclose (v) 公開
cyberbullying (n) 網絡欺凌
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第441期]
