Media

A research team at the Department of Social Work and Social Administration of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) was commissioned by Save the Children Hong Kong to conduct the "Hong Kong Kids Online” study in primary and secondary schools to identify the risks to which children and youths are exposed online and the benefits they gain from the digital world.  

Survey response data from a representative sample of more than 1,300 children and teenagers of various socio-economic backgrounds from 16 different schools were collected between July 2020 and December 2021, amidst COVID-19 restrictions and school suspensions when children’s online activities were expected to be more intensive. Further interviews were held with students in a focus group to understand their views and experiences.

The research team adopted the Global Kids Online research framework, a global research project on children’s use of the Internet, to understand local children’s usage patterns and to identify evidence of abusive acts particularly sexual exploitation from unwanted sexual content to more serious forms of sexual abuse, and cyberbullying.

The findings reveal that an alarming number of Hong Kong’s teenagers encounter harmful and dangerous situations in the digital world. On the other hand, children's positive uses of the internet are also in evidence.

A media conference will be held on May 17 (Tuesday) to release the findings. Save the Children Hong Kong will provide its recommendations on how different parties can work together to create a safe online environment for youngsters so that they can generate the greatest benefits out of the digital world.

Details are as follows:
Date: May 17, 2022 (Tuesday)
Time: 11am
Venue: Social Sciences Chamber, 11/F, The Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus, the University of Hong Kong (map)

Speakers:
Ms. Carol Szeto, CEO, Save the Children Hong Kong
Dr. Clifton Emery, Associate Professor of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, HKU

Visitors entering HKU campus must comply with the HKU Vaccine Pass with details at: https://covid19.hku.hk/control/hku-vaccine-pass/

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communications and Public Affairs Office, HKU
Ms Melanie Wan (Email: melwkwan@hku.hk)
Ms Rashida Suffiad (Email: rsuffiad@hku.hk)