Navigating Screen Time & Protecting Kids’ Mental Health
Deputy PM Lawrence Wong sounds the alarm on kids' screen time at an SOS event! Learn how we're safeguarding children's mental health in today's digital age.
In a world where screens seem to be everywhere, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recently spoke up about something important: how much time kids spend staring at screens. At a special event celebrating 55 years of Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), Wong highlighted why it's crucial to pay attention to this.
Why Too Much Screen Time is a Problem
Wong explained that spending too much time on screens, like phones and tablets, can cause problems for kids. It can mess with how they learn and understand feelings, and even make them feel sad or worried.
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What the Government is Doing About It
The government is trying to help by working with big tech companies to make sure kids can't see things online that are not suitable for them. But Wong thinks they might need to do more. He asked if the rules should be stricter and if 13 is the right age for kids to start using social media.
Why Parents are Super Important
Parents play a big role too. They can use tools on social media to check what their kids are doing online. But it's not just about rules – parents need to be good examples too and talk to their kids about how to use screens responsibly.
Helping Kids Beyond Screens
It's not just about telling kids to spend less time on screens. Wong also talked about making sure they have other fun things to do and people to talk to when they're feeling down. SOS is one place that helps people when they're going through tough times.
Real Stories of How Support Helps
One person who found help at SOS is Ms. Mak Wei Tin. After her dad died by suicide, she felt really sad. But being part of a group at SOS made her feel better. She found friends who understood what she was going through, and even got a new pet that brought some happiness back into her life.
What's Next?
As Singapore tries to figure out how to balance screen time and kids' mental health, everyone needs to help – from the government to parents to community groups. By working together, we can make sure kids grow up happy and healthy in a world filled with screens.