Singapore Takes Bold Steps to Protect Children from Excessive Screen Time: New Guidelines Unveiled!

SINGAPORE – In a groundbreaking move aimed at promoting healthier childhoods, Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) has introduced stringent guidelines to regulate screen use among children, emphasizing the importance of limiting technology exposure for children under 18 months. The new measures prohibit children from any screen use or background exposure to screens, such as televisions, creating a robust framework for ensuring their developmental well-being.

Launched on January 21, this updated initiative is an extension of the previous recommendations made in March 2023. The nation's health authorities recognized a pressing need to address the increasing health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles fueled by excessive screen time. The collaborative efforts of the MOH, the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the Ministry of Social and Family Development have initiated a national movement known as "Grow Well SG," focused on endorsing healthier habits among young Singaporeans.

During a press conference held at Temasek Primary School, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted findings from recent research linking screen usage to cognitive development issues in young children. He declared: "We must take decisive action as these habits have far-reaching impacts on physical health, social interactions, and emotional well-being." The guidelines call for children aged 3 to 6 to have their screen time capped at less than one hour per day. In parallel, older children aged 7 to 12 can have up to two hours a day.

Parents are urged to restrict unrestricted access to mobile devices and social media platforms for their young children, with a call for collective efforts between families and authorities to foster better digital habits. Minister Ong underscored the importance of parental involvement in shaping children's screen use, stating, "Though not legally binding, these measures will contribute significantly to guiding our youth's habits over time."

Starting February, all preschools in Singapore will be mandated to adhere to an updated Code of Practice that enforces these screen time restrictions. For infants up to 18 months, screen time will be utterly prohibited, with allowed use strictly reserved for educational purposes for children aged 18 months to six years. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will play a vital role in ensuring compliance with these guidelines, promising support for preschools that may struggle to adapt.

Furthermore, the education sector is not left behind. Primary and secondary schools have now implemented comprehensive rules dictating the use of smartphones and smartwatches. These regulations create designated storage areas for devices and recommend usage only during breaks—measures aimed at minimizing distractions during learning time.

As countries worldwide begin to crack down on excessive screen time, Singapore finds itself in good company. Recent legislation in Brazil restricted smartphone use in schools, while Australia enacted stringent measures preventing children under 16 from accessing social media. These global trends reflect a growing recognition of the adverse effects of screen exposure on youth.

Research conducted locally has revealed alarming correlations between excessive screen time and developmental setbacks, such as language delays and shorter attention spans in young children. The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) recently found that nearly half of Singaporeans aged 15 to 21 exhibit problematic smartphone usage— a clear signal of the broader societal concern over digital habits.

In this context, parents play a critical role in modeling healthy screen behaviors. Many families are already taking proactive steps; for instance, Junior Ong, a local real estate agent, and his wife limit their children to just one hour of screen use per week. They emphasize the importance of quality family interactions over passive consumption of media.

As Singapore steers into a future where technology is omnipresent, these initiatives stand to make a significant difference in cultivating a generation of health-conscious, socially engaged, and well-rounded individuals. The message is clear: in today's digital age, moderation is key, and collaboration between families, schools, and healthcare providers is imperative for nurturing a brighter, healthier future for our children.