Letters | Scolding not the right way to curb children’s social media use
Readers discuss the parenting styles that are conducive to growth, raising awareness of Hong Kong’s new smoking rules, and minimising disruption in our water supply
While online games and social media are not necessarily bad, if children spend too much time on these activities, parents have good reason to intervene. However, brute force or scolding inevitably hurt relationships and are not recommended.
Parents need to know that preventing overindulgence must start from an early age, i.e., before their kids become addicted to these activities. When they are already addicted, confrontation and forcing the issue will not work.
Parents must also avoid “overtalking” and instead focus on showing their love and support, letting their children know their concern, and reminding them to take good care of themselves. Love must not be conditional on “good behaviour”.
Any change in behaviour for the better must be self-motivated. Children, particularly adolescents, must be responsible for the consequences of their own decisions.