Safeguarding CNY Family Rituals in Hong Kong: Safety and Insurance Tips for Modern Families

I. Introduction: Tradition, Safety and Protection

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is a time of reunion dinners, temple visits, lion dances and red envelopes.
Streets, restaurants and homes are full, and many people travel or stay out late.
This is exciting, but it also brings extra risks for children, older relatives and guests.

Navigator has helped people in Hong Kong protect what matters for more than 30 years. Today, good CNY planning means more than food and decorations. It also means clear behaviour rules, digital consent, everyday supervision and basic checks on your health, home and life insurance.

This guide is useful for busy parents, expatriate families and specified professionals such as teachers, healthcare workers and social workers.
Hong Kong’s new Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (Cap. 650) raises the bar for child protection in schools and organisations. Many of the same safeguarding ideas can also be used at home and during family rituals.

II. Step 1: Set Behaviour Rules for Gatherings

During a big CNY dinner, many people talk at once. Children run around, and it is easy to lose track of who is doing what. A short “house rule” list helps keep things calm and safe.

Set clear boundaries: Explain that safety and respect come first.
Tell family and guests what is okay and what is not. For example, no rough play near hot pots, no smoking inside, and adults should not be alone with children in bedrooms.

Respect body autonomy: Many customs involve hugs or sitting on elders’ laps. Children should know they can say “no” if they feel uncomfortable. Offer alternatives such as the traditional gongxi greeting, a bow or a simple handshake.

For home gatherings, also think about the space. Keep walkways clear, watch candles and incense, and keep young children out of busy kitchens.
It is also a good time to check your home insurance, so you know what happens if there is fire, water damage or an accident during visits.

If you work with children, you can read more about how Hong Kong is strengthening protection for professionals in our article – Hong Kong Launches Child Abuse Reporting Guide for Professionals.

III. Step 2: Get Consent for Photos, Videos and Social Media

Phones come out quickly during CNY.
Families share photos and videos in WhatsApp groups and on social media.
This feels normal, but it can affect children’s privacy and safety.

Ask before you post: Always ask parents before sharing photos of their children. Say where you plan to post and who will see the image. This simple step shows respect and reduces the chance of a photo spreading further than expected.

Use simple consent for events: For school fairs, temple events or community dinners, consider a short media consent note. This can be a tick‑box on an invitation or a one‑page form. Many schools and NGOs already use this approach as part of their safeguarding policy.

Misuse of images is not always an “insurance issue”. Still, online bullying or reputational harm can lead to counselling needs and time off work or school. Some health insurance plans offer mental health benefits or employee assistance services, depending on the policy terms. It makes sense to know what your health insurance in Hong Kong covers for you and your children.

IV. Step 3: Plan for Crowds, Fireworks and Temple Trips

CNY in Hong Kong often involves lion dances, markets, fireworks and temple visits.
These activities are fun but can be crowded and noisy.
A quick risk check before you leave home can prevent problems.

Check the environment: Look at where you will stand, sit and move. Avoid standing close to temporary stages or near roads and traffic barriers. Agree a meeting point in case someone gets lost. Keep children at a safe distance from fireworks and open flames.

Choose a lead adult: High‑energy moments are when accidents and misunderstandings happen. Agree that one sober adult is in charge of watching children at any given time. Do not assume “someone else” is paying attention.

CNY is also a good time to check your family health insurance and personal accident cover. Private hospital care in Hong Kong can be expensive, and public emergency rooms are often busy during holidays. Make sure you understand what your plan covers for emergencies, ambulance use and hospital stays.

If you help run school fairs, club events or community dinners, you may want to ask about public liability or event insurance. Navigator can explain how these covers work and when they may be useful for your situation.

V. Step 4: Keep Simple Daily Oversight During CNY

During holidays, routines often slip.
Children stay up late, eat more snacks and spend extra time on screens.
Some flexibility is fine, but basic structure helps keep everyone safe and calm.

Protect routines: Try to keep regular meals and roughly stable bedtimes, especially for younger children. Decide who will supervise children if adults are playing mahjong or drinking.
Make sure older relatives have safe seating and help with stairs.

Agree a “safe adult”: Tell children which adult they can go to if they feel scared, unwell or uncomfortable.
This could be a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent or trusted family friend.
Make this clear before gatherings so children do not feel alone.

For teachers, healthcare staff and other specified professionals, the new Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse law in Hong Kong sets clear duties in the workplace. Our article on the child abuse reporting guide explains how tools and decision trees support those decisions.

For families and expats, CNY is a good reminder to check both group and individual medical insurance. Confirm which clinics are in‑network, how to reach the 24‑hour hotline and whether your children are covered if they study or travel abroad. For an overview of key health insurance points, you can read Key Considerations When Choosing Health Insurance in Hong Kong.

VI. Step 5: Make a CNY Safety and Insurance Checklist

A short checklist makes it easier to repeat good habits every year.
You can keep it on your phone or print it and stick it on the fridge.

Include basic safety items such as testing fire alarms, checking balcony doors, and making sure walkways are clear. Add a list of key phone numbers and contacts, including emergency services, taxi numbers and trusted neighbours.

Then add a simple insurance section. Note your policy numbers, insurer hotlines and main network hospitals or clinics. If you support family overseas, also write down where their cover is held and how to reach their insurer.

Many people find it hard to raise safety concerns because they worry about “losing face”. Try to frame speaking up as an act of care. This mindset supports children, relatives and friends, and it fits well with modern safeguarding expectations in Hong Kong.

CNY is also a natural time to review bigger protection questions.
If you have married, had a child, moved home or changed jobs, it may be time to review your life insurance, critical illness cover and home insurance. Regular reviews keep cover aligned with your real risks and income.

VII. Conclusion: Keep Traditions Joyful and Safe

Safeguarding does not reduce the magic of Chinese New Year.
Simple behaviour rules, digital consent, everyday supervision and good planning all help protect children and vulnerable relatives.
Thoughtful use of health, home and life insurance adds a further layer of security if something serious happens.

If you are unsure what your current policies cover, or whether your protection still fits your family and income, Navigator can help. We can review your existing plans, explain the terms in plain language and show you options from different insurers.

To talk about family health insurance, group medical plans for schools and employers or a general protection review before the next CNY season, please contact us using the form below or via our WhatsApp button in the corner.