Youngsters in Hong Kong seldom communicate with their families, said a recent survey by the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment & Progress of Hong Kong (DAB).

Of the 893 interviewees aged 18-35, over 50 percent spent most of their time surfing on the Internet and watching television.

Only 9.9 percent would choose to stay home and spend time communicating with their families.

During holidays, about 50 percent would hang out with friends or go on the Internet, but only 21.5 percent would spend time with their families.

About 14 percent stayed home for only 1.5 hours per week.

Six percent of the interviewees indicated they had dinner at home less than once a week.

"The survey results show that Hong Kong youths have weak family values," said Starry Lee, vice-chairman of the Family Affairs Committee of the DAB.

Even when young people are at home, many of them would rather busy themselves with their own stuff than talk to their families, she noted.

"We suggest the government do more to promote family values," she said.

Charlie Chan, social work supervisor at Caritas Youth & Community Service said communication among family members is a difficult issue.

Communication will not be communication if one side wants to talk but the other side refuses to listen, he said.

To improve relations within family, he said parents should stop lecturing children and give them more space.

(HK Edition 05/16/2008 page1)