Singapore Launches Nationwide Campaign to Get Children Off Screens

Singapore on Sunday launched a nationwide movement to help families build healthy digital habits in children by reducing their screen time.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong launched the “Screen Smart From The Start” campaign, which aims to guide parents on how to manage their children’s digital activities, a statement from his office said.

Guidance for Parents

Speaking at the launch, Wong said the government will provide resources to help parents build healthy digital habits in their children from a young age.

Parents can now use the “Be Screen Smart” portal, which offers tips for children and youth in three age groups: 0 to 6, 7 to 12, and 13 to 18.

The portal helps parents learn how to select suitable content for their children and protect them from inappropriate material online. It also offers guidance on setting clear family rules for device use.

Screen Time Concerns

Wong said parents in the past were worried about comics, TV, and video games, but today’s challenge around technology and screen time is more serious.

He said addictive features, harmful content, and toxic online interactions have made digital use harder for families to manage.

Suggested Family Rules

Wong suggested that families avoid phones during meals and preferably keep phones out of bedrooms.

He said parents have little control over whether children use phones late at night once the devices are in their rooms.

Wong also said parents should delay giving smartphones to their children for as long as possible.

Offline Activities

The “Be Screen Smart” portal will also list accessible offline activities for families with children of all ages.

The activities will begin with the upcoming June school holidays.