The Ministry of Health (MOH) has updated its screen time guidelines for children in Singapore. With digital devices becoming an integral part of everyday life, managing screen time has become a major concern for parents. MOH’s latest recommendations provide clear guidelines to balance screen exposure and promote healthy habits.
Parenting expert Jessie Liew SP, a digital parenting coach, shares valuable insights on how families can implement these rules effectively.
MOH’s recommendations focus on limiting screen time while promoting meaningful engagement and healthy activities.
For infants under 18 months, MOH advises avoiding screen time entirely, except for interactive video chatting. TVs and digital devices should also be off in the background to help prevent distractions and support cognitive development.
Toddlers aged 18 months to 6 years should have , excluding school-related activities. Screens should not be used as a distraction, and . What parents can do is watch age-appropriate content together and discuss it with the child during their screen time.
Limit screen time to for children aged 7 to 12 years, unless required for schoolwork. Establish a structured screen-use plan with agreed-upon rules to balance the digital exposure of children. MOH also advises . Enable parental controls and regularly discuss online activities.
Excessive screen use can lead to physical, mental, and emotional consequences for children. For instance, screen exposure before bedtime can result in poor sleep quality. It can also contribute to vision problems such as myopia while the increased sedentary behaviour may also raise the risk of obesity
When it comes to social and emotional aspects, too much screen time can reduce the empathy and interpersonal skills of your child due to limited face-to-face interaction. It can also increase the risk of digital addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s digital habits. Here’s how they can apply MOH’s recommendations.
Establish clear screen time limits and enforce them consistently to create a healthier environment. Screen-free zones at home, especially during meals and bedtime, can further help in reducing screen dependence. It would also be best if parents should reduce their own screen time to model healthy digital habits.
Another effective strategy is encouraging balanced activities. Promote outdoor play, social interactions, and hands-on activities to help children develop alternative interests. Screen time expert and parenting coach, Jessie Liew can vouch for this as she shares a success story: “One of my clients reduced her son’s screen time from 8 hours to 3 hours per day. He then discovered new hobbies like chess and music.”
Using parental controls wisely is essential for safeguarding children’s digital experiences. Set restrictions on age-inappropriate content and regularly review the material children consume to ensure a safer digital environment. However, even with these computer restrictions, no system is bulletproof. “Conversations matter more than restrictions,” as per Jessie Liew.
Jessie Liew suggests practical strategies that have worked for families:
MOH’s new screen time guidelines provide a clear framework for parents to follow. However, the key lies in . Foster healthy digital habits early to ensure your children develop a balanced relationship with technology. If managing screen time becomes a struggle, especially for busy parents, seek professional guidance.
Take proactive steps today to shape a healthier digital future for your child.
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