Hong Kong – In an era where children are born into a digital world, a veteran Hong Kong actor and father of two is advocating for a blend of empathy and practical boundaries to navigate online risks. Louis Cheung, a prominent figure in the local entertainment industry, shared his personal strategies for teaching children about cybersecurity during a parents’ forum on Wednesday, emphasizing that outright bans are no longer a viable solution.
Addressing a room full of parents, Cheung, born in the 1980s, highlighted the generational divide in technology use. He recalled a childhood marked by strictly limited video game time, contrasting it with his own children’s reality, where digital devices are essential for both education and entertainment. “You can’t simply forbid it,” Cheung said. “My kids don’t just play games; they use the internet to learn.”
Rather than fighting technology, Cheung champions a system of incentives and shared activities. He described a household trade-off: “I tell my son, ‘Run 50 minutes with me, and then you can have your gaming time.’” He noted the strategy serves a dual purpose—reducing screen time for parents as well. “It’s not just kids who are addicted. We adults are also trying to break the habit. When you spend quality time with your child, your own phone time naturally drops. Just talking with them about the games they love is incredibly effective,” he added.
Navigating Social Media, Privacy, and Judgment
Cheung revealed that his nine-year-old daughter’s social media accounts are currently managed by her mother, singer Kay Tse. He explained that he consistently reinforces basic digital literacy skills with both his children. Paramount among those lessons is the ability to verify information and protect personal privacy, including specific details like their home address.
Drawing from his own experience as a public figure, Cheung described a recent teaching moment. He shared a story with his daughter about an online post that criticized his demeanor during a fan photo, claiming he was unfriendly. “I told her, ‘You’ve known me for nearly ten years. You’ve seen me take pictures with people, and I am usually friendly,’” he recounted. “This was a good chance to show her that not everything you read online is true. You have to learn to filter information for yourself.”
Addressing the Digital Taboos
When asked by reporters whether he monitors his son’s access to adult content, Cheung took a measured approach. He stated he does not actively investigate his son’s browsing history, acknowledging that such curiosity is a normal part of growing up. More notably, he revealed he actively encourages his son to form real-world relationships. “Dating is something you have to experience for yourself,” Cheung explained. “It’s not a skill a parent can teach through a lecture.”
Broader Implications for Modern Parenting
Cheung’s candid remarks underscore a growing consensus among child development experts: the most effective digital safety strategy is not surveillance alone, but a foundation of open communication and trust. His approach suggests that by bridging the generational gap through shared activities and honest dialogue, parents can equip their children to navigate the complexities of the online world without cutting them off from its benefits. As screen time becomes increasingly intertwined with daily life, the message from this celebrity father is clear: adapt, engage, and lead by example.
