The way your child plays, eats, and sleeps today shapes their future health. And now, Singapore is stepping in to guide families on this journey. Enter Grow Well SG, a bold new initiative launching in 2025 that offers every child from Primary 1 to 3 a personalised health plan.
This strategy, a collaboration between the Health, Education, and Social and Family Development ministries, is all about making healthy habits a way of life.
But what does this really mean for you and your child?
The Need for Grow Well SG
You may be wondering: why now? The truth is, while most children in Singapore are in good health, bad habits are creeping in. Long hours of screen time, junk food binges, and late nights are more common than ever. Large-scale studies confirm that these patterns could lead to serious health and mental well-being issues later on.
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Already, there’s a troubling rise in mental health concerns among young people. That’s why Grow Well SG is here—to catch these habits early and set your child up for lifelong wellness.
What Grow Well SG Offers Your Child
So, how does Grow Well SG actually work? Starting from Primary 1, your child will receive a personalised health plan. This plan is crafted using insights from a yearly questionnaire you’ll fill out on their habits and lifestyle, along with their Health Promotion Board (HPB) school screening results.
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The plan, available on HealthHub, will highlight areas to work on—from reducing screen time to improving sleep patterns. The best part? It’s not just a checklist—it’s a conversation starter for you and your child.
10 Ways Grow Well SG Promotes Healthy Habits in Children
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Source: CNA
1. Purposeful Screen Use
The Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced comprehensive guidelines to limit non-school screen time for children aged 0-12. Schools are adopting stricter screen management policies, promoting digital literacy while encouraging breaks to reduce eye strain and promote physical activity. These measures aim to foster mindful technology habits from an early age.
2. Personalized Health Plans
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) offers Primary 1 to 3 students tailored health plans during school screenings. These plans, accessible via HealthHub, provide parents with customized tips for diet, exercise, and sleep routines. This approach helps families track progress and establish habits that align with their child’s unique health needs.
3. Early Habit Tracking
Parents can now monitor their children’s routines using the new Childhood Health Behaviours Checklist provided during Childhood Development Screenings (CDS). The checklist tracks sleep patterns, screen time, and physical activity, enabling parents to identify areas needing improvement and work alongside healthcare providers to create healthier routines.
4. Healthier School Meals
Through HPB’s Healthy Meals in Schools Programme, schools promote nutritious food choices by partnering with vendors to use healthier ingredients and reduce sugar and salt content. Students are also educated on the importance of balanced meals, fostering lifelong healthy eating habits.
5. More Active Play
Preschools and primary schools are prioritizing physical activity by reducing sedentary time and integrating more play-based learning. Structured physical education classes and outdoor playtime encourage children to develop motor skills, teamwork, and a love for an active lifestyle.
6. Mental Wellness Support
The IMDA’s Digital for Life portal and the Parenting for Wellness website offer resources that guide parents in nurturing their children’s digital and emotional well-being. These platforms promote healthy online habits, address cyberbullying, and encourage family discussions about mental health.
7. Family Bonding Resources
Families for Life, alongside community partners, provides programs such as family fitness days, cooking workshops, and outdoor activities. These initiatives strengthen family connections while promoting healthy habits through shared experiences.
8. Dental Health Awareness
HPB’s School Dental Programme offers regular dental check-ups and in-class lessons on oral hygiene techniques. By teaching children how to brush and floss effectively, the program helps prevent cavities and instills a lifetime of good dental care practices.
9. Immunization Drives
MOH conducts annual vaccination campaigns, ensuring children receive necessary immunizations against preventable diseases. Schools and clinics provide easy access to vaccinations, reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare and community immunity.
10. Healthy Sleep Habits
HPB promotes the importance of sleep hygiene by sharing tips through schools and HealthHub. Parents learn about establishing consistent bedtime routines, reducing screen time before bed, and creating a restful sleep environment. Prioritizing sleep helps children concentrate better, boosts their mood, and supports overall development.
Grow Well SG empowers families by providing practical tools and resources, laying the foundation for lasting healthy habits in children.
Real Parents, Real Impact
Take it from Monica Loo, whose daughter Emily participated in the Grow Well SG pilot last year. For Monica, the personalised plan was more than just data; it became a springboard for meaningful conversations about healthy habits.
“It opened up space for Emily to share how she feels about screen time and exercise,” she shared. Stories like Monica’s remind us that while schools and ministries play a role, you, the parent, are key to making Grow Well SG successful.
Beyond the Basics: Sleep, Play, and Connection
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But Grow Well SG isn’t just about screen limits. It encourages a holistic approach to health—focusing on eating well, sleeping well, learning well, and playing well. Family bonds and friendships are equally important. After all, a healthy child is not just physically fit but also socially connected and emotionally resilient.
Taming Screen Time—Together
One major focus of Grow Well SG is tackling excessive screen time. Assistant Professor Evelyn Law, who advised on the initiative, stresses that unrestricted mobile use leads to problems like poor sleep and even gaming addiction—issues already on the rise in Singapore.
From 2025, even pre-schools will introduce new screen-time rules, ensuring kids are not parked in front of devices while waiting for you to pick them up. At home, though, the screen rules are up to you. Are you ready to set boundaries and model healthy habits?
A Shared Mission: School, Home, and Community
The success of Grow Well SG relies on more than just school policies. Your child’s canteen will start offering healthier meals through HPB’s Healthier Ingredient Development Scheme. Primary schools will also use a new Student Health Status Card to track lifestyle trends among pupils, helping educators address their needs more effectively.
But as Minister Gan Siow Huang reminds us, parents play the most crucial role. Schools can guide, but lasting habits begin at home.
Your Role in Grow Well SG
Source: Grow Well SG
So, what can you do to make the most of this new initiative? Start by engaging with your child’s personalised health plan. Use it as a chance to talk about their habits and set small, achievable goals together. Swap out sugary drinks for water, carve out device-free family time, and make sleep a priority.
A Healthier Tomorrow, Starting Today
With Grow Well SG, Singapore is prioritizing your child’s health—but lasting success starts with your actions. By making simple, consistent changes at home—such as preparing nutritious meals, encouraging outdoor play, and maintaining regular health check-ups—you create a strong foundation for their well-being.
Grow Well SG offers resources, tools, and a supportive community to help you guide your child toward healthier habits. From workshops and health screenings to family activities promoting wellness, the initiative empowers parents to take an active role in their child’s growth.
Will you embrace Grow Well SG, commit to nurturing your child’s well-being, and help them grow well, live well, and thrive for years to come?
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