Singapore Introduces Stricter Screen Use Guidelines for Young Children to Support Healthier Lifestyles

SINGAPORE – The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore has updated its screen use guidelines for children, emphasizing stricter rules for those under 18 months old and introducing new recommendations for children up to 12 years of age. These guidelines are part of a larger national initiative aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among children and adolescents.

The updated guidelines, launched on January 21, now explicitly state that children younger than 18 months old should not be exposed to screens at all, including background screen use such as having the television on while the child is not actively watching. Previous recommendations only discouraged such practices but did not forbid them.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung shared at a press conference that recent research has highlighted a stronger link between screen time and cognitive development in young children. As a result, more decisive measures were needed to address the impact of screen use on children’s physical activity, social interactions, and emotional well-being.

“Now knowing more, we are strengthening that advisory… This is stronger than the previous guidance and includes even background screen use, such as TV, which some families tend to switch on while having meals,” Mr. Ong said.

For children aged three to six years, screen time outside of school is now limited to no more than one hour per day, while children aged seven to 12 years can use screens for a maximum of two hours. The guidelines also state that parents should avoid giving young children unrestricted access to mobile devices or social media.

The updated approach is part of the “Grow Well SG” initiative, which aims to reduce health risks associated with excessive screen time, poor nutrition, and insufficient sleep or physical activity. The initiative encourages collaboration among families, schools, healthcare institutions, and the community.

Starting in February, all pre-schools will be required to follow a revised Code of Practice, which mandates that infants up to 18 months old should not have any 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 enforce these guidelines and provide support to pre-schools that need adjustments.

For primary and secondary schools, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has rolled out new guidelines to manage students’ use of smartphones and smartwatches. These guidelines include designated storage spaces for mobile phones before lessons and rules allowing device use only during breaks or after school hours.

While schools have flexibility in managing screen use for older students, MOE emphasizes the importance of complementing digital learning with lessons on cyber hygiene and responsible screen use. This comprehensive effort to curb excessive screen use is designed to foster a balanced approach to technology, ensuring that children grow up with healthier habits and better cognitive and physical development.