Singapore Bans Screen Time For Young Children During Mealtime

Let's face it: With our short attention spans, family dinners often need a bit of entertainment or background noise, especially with kids today. But the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore wants to change that with new screen-time guidelines to help young kids develop healthy habits and parents reclaim quality family time.

Launched on January 21, SG's Ministry of Health's recommendations aim to keep young children, especially those under 18 months, completely screen-free. Yes, even the background TV noise will go!

The key changes include no screen time during meals for young children, limiting screen use to under one hour a day outside of school for children aged three to six, and under two hours a day for children aged seven to 12, unless it's related to schoolwork.

These measures are part of Grow Well SG, a national health strategy designed to help families balance technology use with healthier living.

Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in a statement, "Knowing more, we are strengthening that advisory... This includes even background screen use, such as TV, which some families tend to switch on during meals."

Minister Ong expressed confidence that parents' active involvement in these measures would positively shape children's device usage habits. Though the guidelines are not legally enforceable, adherence by families is crucial for long-term benefits.

ALSO READ: SG, Sweden, Netherlands Are Limiting Childrens' Screen Time

Singapore's Updated Guidelines on Children's Screen Time

Here are the major recommendations under the MOH's updated guidelines:

Children under 18 months 

• No screen use, unless for interactive video chatting.

• Do not turn the TV on in the background.

Children 18 months to 6 years

• Limit screen time to less than 1 hour per day outside of school.
• Do not use screens just to occupy or distract your child.
• Do not use screens during meals or within one hour before bedtime.
• Do not leave the TV on in the background.

When using screens:

• Choose educational and age-appropriate content.
• Watch it together and discuss it with your child.

Children aged 7 to 12 years

• Limit screen time to less than 2 hours per day, unless it's related to schoolwork.
• Agree on a screen use plan or timetable.
• Do not use screens during meals or within one hour before bedtime.

When using screens:

• Use parental control settings and check content ratings to ensure it's age-appropriate.
• Talk to your child regularly about what they are viewing online and offer advice.
• Avoid giving your child access to social media services.
• Do not provide mobile devices with unrestricted access to the internet and applications.

From February, pre-schools will be required to follow an updated Code of Practice enforced by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). In cases of non-compliance, ECDA will counsel pre-schools to adjust their practices. Persistent non-compliance could result in further regulatory actions.

At the primary and secondary school levels, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced detailed guidelines for managing students' use of smartphones and smartwatches. Measures include designated storage areas for devices and usage restrictions during lessons.

SG Follows Global Trends

Singapore's initiative aligns with a global trend of addressing screen use among youth. Countries like Netherlands and Australia have implemented laws restricting smartphone usage in schools and access to social media for minors.

Studies such as Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes have highlighted the negative impacts of excessive screen use, including poorer language skills and shorter attention spans in infants and toddlers.

A recent study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) found that nearly half (46.4%) of Singaporeans aged 15 to 21 exhibit problematic smartphone use, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.

The guidelines do not eliminate screens entirely but advocate for purposeful usage. Ms. Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Social and Family Development, stated that screens should never be used as "time fillers" but rather integrated meaningfully into learning.

She also reminded parents of their role, writing on Facebook, "Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in reinforcing these healthy habits at home. By working with partners like Families for Life Council, Centre for Fathering and social services agencies, we want to provide parents and caregivers more resources and practical tips on inculcating these healthy habits into daily activities."

"It is a collective effort by educators and families to ensure our children grow up with balanced and active lifestyles," she concluded.

Click here to learn how you can cut your toddler's screen time down.