The University of Saint Joseph and the Macanese Youth Association held an open dialogue on the impact of digital screens on young people in Macao
The University of Saint Joseph and the Macanese Youth Association held an open dialogue on the impact of digital screens on young people in Macao
03
Jun
03/06/2025
Prof. Jacky Ho, Dean of USJ’s Faculty of Health Sciences discussed the profound effects of digital screen usage and explore balanced approaches and recommendations for Macao’s younger generation in this digital age.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) and the Macanese Youth Association (AJM), with the collaboration of Rui Cunha Foundation, hosted a talk titled “Blue Wave Generation: Surfing Without Limits” on 28 May. The event gathered health experts, educators, and parents to discuss the profound effects of digital screen usage and explore balanced approaches for Macao’s younger generation.
Professor Jacky Ho, Dean of USJ’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of the Macao Observatory for Social Development, shared his expertise as a sleep science specialist. His presentation detailed how blue light emissions from digital devices interfere with brain function, disrupt sleep patterns, and potentially hinder childhood development. Professor Ho particularly emphasised the concerning links between prolonged screen exposure, melatonin suppression, cognitive impairment, and increased dementia risks.
The discussion featured comparisons between Eastern and Western approaches to screen time management. Professor Ho highlighted Finland’s notable shift in education policy from “pro-tech” to “protect from tech” in recent years as an important case study. He also addressed Macao’s new school phone storage policy, noting that banning phones in schools represents only the first step to addressing the issue.
The event concluded with key recommendations from Professor Jacky Ho, including the need for curriculum innovation to embed digital literacy education with emphasis on the elementary and junior levels, the development of holistic policies that align school guidelines with family and community support systems, the promotion of conscious parenting, and most importantly to listen what the youth recommends.
The session was moderated by the President of the Macanese Youth Association (AJM), Mr. António Monteiro, and Vice-President of AJM, Ms. Jerusa Antunes.
