Singapore Limits Kids’ Screen Time: Will Other Countries Follow?

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Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ In a bid to promote healthier lifestyles among its younger population, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore has announced updated screen use guidelines for children. These revised recommendations, which came into effect on January 21, aim to tackle the growing concerns over the impact of excessive screen time on young children’s cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being. One of the most significant changes in the new guidelines is the stricter stance on screen exposure for children under 18 months old. The MOH now explicitly advises that children in this age group should not be exposed to any screens at all, including background screen use such as having the television on while the child is not actively engaged with it.

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Previously, the guidelines only discouraged such practices but did not directly prohibit them. This change comes in response to new research that highlights the negative effects of screen time on the early development of children. Accordingly, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung shared at a press conference that recent studies have shown a clear connection between screen use and cognitive development in young children. He emphasized the importance of addressing the impact of screen time on physical activity, social interactions, and emotional well-being. “We are strengthening our advisory based on what we now know. This guidance is more stringent than before and includes even background screen use, such as when families leave the television on during meals,” Minister Ong stated.

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For children aged three to six years, the guidelines now limit screen time to a maximum of one hour per day outside of school. Children aged seven to 12 years are allowed up to two hours of screen time per day. Additionally, the guidelines caution parents against giving young children unrestricted access to mobile devices or social media platforms, which can expose them to risks like inappropriate content and online addiction. These updated screen use guidelines are part of the larger “Grow Well SG” initiative, a national campaign aimed at reducing health risks linked to poor nutrition, insufficient physical activity, and inadequate sleep. The initiative encourages a collaborative effort between families, schools, healthcare providers, and the broader community to foster a healthier environment for children and adolescents.

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 Starting in February, all preschools in Singapore will be required to adhere to a revised Code of Practice that aligns with the updated screen time guidelines. This new policy mandates that infants up to 18 months should have zero screen time and that screens should only be used for educational purposes for children aged 18 months to six years. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will oversee the enforcement of these standards and offer support to preschools that may require adjustments to meet the new requirements. In parallel, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced new rules for primary and secondary schools to regulate students’ use of smartphones and smartwatches.

Among these regulations are designated storage spaces for mobile phones before lessons and rules that allow device use only during breaks or after school hours. While schools have some flexibility in managing screen time for older students, MOE stresses the importance of balancing digital learning with lessons on responsible screen use and cyber hygiene. This comprehensive approach is designed to encourage a balanced relationship with technology, helping children and adolescents develop healthier habits and improve both their cognitive and physical development. Through these updated guidelines and ongoing initiatives, Singapore aims to create a healthier environment for its young population, where technology supports, rather than hinders, their overall well-being.

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