Hong Kong educators want a social media ban for under-16s. The government says it has no plans to legislate.

TL;DRHong Kong educators and a lawmaker urge under-16 social media ban. 62% of residents support legislation (76% of parents). Government says no plans to legislate, citing enforcement challenges. Australia, UK, France already moving ahead.

Hong Kong educators and a lawmaker are urging the city to ban children under 16 from social media, calling addiction “the biggest problem facing education.” At a panel discussion this week, Lilian Chan Lui Ling-yee, honorary president of the Yan Oi Association of Principals, said legislation was needed to protect the next generation. A survey found 62% of Hong Kong residents support a legislative ban, with support rising to 76% among parents. Legislative Council member Lawrence Tang Fei said social media is developing too fast for education alone to keep pace.

The government is not moving. Hong Kong’s technology chief has explicitly ruled out legislation, citing enforcement challenges, cross-border jurisdiction issues, and concerns about damaging the city’s technology ecosystem. The position puts Hong Kong behind Australia, which banned under-16s in December 2025, the UK, which is implementing its own ban, and France, Spain, and Portugal, which are all advancing similar measures. Hong Kong’s approach focuses on education, health guidance, and monitoring what other countries do, rather than acting itself.