The Meeting on Policy and Programme Responses to Mental and Behavioural Disorders associated with Excessive Use of the Internet and other Communication and Gaming Platforms co-organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DH) opened in Hong Kong today. The three-day meeting brought together experts from 20 countries, WHO advisers and local stakeholders to review and share the updated information and discuss the way forward to prevent and reduce public health problems associated with excessive use of Internet and electronic devices.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, said, “Information and Communication Technology has become an indispensable part of our daily life. Noting that the increasing trend of popularity of the use of the Internet and mobile devices, and the age of going online and using electronic gadgets is getting lower, we are very concerned about the potential health risks relating to improper and excessive use of the Internet and electronic screen products.”
To address the concern about potential health risks related to the increasing use of the Internet and electronic screen products, Dr Chan pointed out that the DH had convened the Advisory Group on Health Effects of Use of Internet and Electronic Screen Products in 2013, set up a designated web page and developed various means to promote the health tips and recommendations for various target populations.
“I am sure that the review and sharing of global and regional situations, evidence-based interventions and strategies, and good practices among local and overseas participants and experts, will bring us closer to the ultimate goal of enabling our population to enjoy the benefits and convenience of the new technology and go online in a healthy way.”
Category(s):Addictions
Source material from 7th Space
