Last January 2025, the Ministry of Health (MOH) 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.
We sat down with Jessie Liew SP, a Behavioural Therapist and Coach, specializing in gaming and digital addiction to better understand MOH’s new screen time guidelines for children and how families can implement these rules effectively.
MOH’s Updated Screen Time Guidelines
MOH’s recommendations focus on limiting screen time for children while promoting meaningful engagement and healthy activities. Listed are the screen time recommended for each child age group:
For infants (under 18 months)
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.
For toddlers (18 months – 6 years)
Toddlers aged 18 months to 6 years should have less than one hour of screen time per day, excluding school-related activities. Screens should not be used as a distraction, and screen use should be prohibited during meals and one hour before bedtime. What parents can do is watch age-appropriate content together and discuss it with the child during their screen time.
For children (7 – 12 years)
Limit screen time to under two hours daily 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 prohibiting children under 13 access to social media. Enable parental controls and regularly discuss online activities.
The Risks of Excessive Screen Time
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.
How Parents Can Manage Screen Time Effectively
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s digital habits. Here’s how they can apply MOH’s recommendations.
1. Set boundaries & lead by example
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.
2. Encourage balanced activities
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.”
3. Use parental controls wisely
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.
Expert Tips for Managing Screen Time in Singapore
Jessie Liew suggests practical strategies that have worked for families:
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Introduce ‘Screen-Free Sundays’ to promote bonding and alternative activities.
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Offer rewards for engaging in non-digital activities, such as reading or sports.
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Help children build self-regulation instead of imposing strict controls.
The Bottom Line
MOH’s new screen time guidelines provide a clear framework for parents to follow. However, the key lies in empowering children rather than just restricting them. 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.
About Jessie Liew P
Jessie Liew SP, a behavioural therapist and coach in gaming and digital addiction, with a background in cybersecurity, provides invaluable insights on managing children’s screen time effectively. Through her coaching, she has helped parents reduce their children’s screen time significantly, with one child cutting daily usage from eight hours to three while discovering new hobbies like chess and music. She encourages parents to be role models in screen use, introduce screen-free days, and create a balanced approach that nurtures healthy digital habits from a young age
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Read more: Screen Time and Myopia: How It Increases Your Child’s Risk
