Singapore Strengthens Screen Time Guidelines for Kids
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Synopsis
In a decisive move, Singapore has tightened regulations on children's screen time in educational settings as part of a multi-ministry health initiative. Starting February 1, new rules will be enforced in preschools and schools to encourage healthier habits among younger populations.
Key Takeaways
- Stricter screen time regulations for children under 18 months.
- Updated guidelines for preschools and schools.
- Less than one hour of screen time recommended for ages 3-6.
- Focus on meaningful learning experiences over prolonged screen use.
- Part of the Grow Well SG initiative.
Singapore, Jan 21 (NationPress) Singapore has implemented more stringent regulations to manage screen time for children in educational institutions, including schools and preschools, as part of a comprehensive multi-ministry health initiative that was inaugurated on Tuesday.
Beginning February 1, preschools will apply revised guidelines that prohibit screen usage for children younger than 18 months and restrict it to educational purposes only for those between 18 months and six years, as stated by a collaborative announcement from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Social and Family Development.
Teachers will also be encouraged to focus on “meaningful experiences” instead of sedentary behaviors such as extended screen time and inactivity, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Similar protocols have been adopted in primary and secondary schools, which mandate that students keep their phones in designated areas during classes and limit device usage to specific times and places, like during recess or after school.
The Ministry of Health has updated its guidelines for parents, recommending less than one hour of screen time daily for children aged three to six and no more than two hours for those aged seven to twelve, excluding time spent on school assignments. Parents are encouraged to restrict their children's access to mobile devices and social media.
These regulations are part of Grow Well SG, a new nationwide health promotion strategy initiated by the three ministries. The program aims to foster healthier living and preventive care for children, highlighting the importance of better nutrition, sleep patterns, enriching learning experiences, and physical activity.
Research indicates that excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s cognitive growth, language abilities, mental health, and physical well-being. The statement emphasized that while the majority of children in Singapore are in good health, extended screen exposure and sedentary lifestyles present major threats to their overall development.
Currently, the initiative targets children aged 12 and under, with intentions to extend coverage to older age groups in the future.
