Singapore is set to roll out measures to address device usage in the coming months as electronic devices and social media increasingly become integral parts of daily life.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli announced this initiative in separate Facebook posts on June 21. They highlighted the need for decisive and effective measures to manage screen time, particularly among the youth.
Need for Action
Ministers Ong and Masagos stressed that research shows significant negative effects of excessive device usage on mental health, particularly in young people. They pointed out that more definitive and consistent advice is needed across all healthcare settings, including preschools and homes, to shape healthier device usage habits.
Inspired by International Concerns
The ministers’ comments follow a call from United States Surgeon-General Vivek Murthy. He suggested placing warning labels on social media platforms for young users due to their links to worsening mental health. Dr Murthy described the mental health crisis among youth as an emergency. This therefore necessitated immediate action rather than waiting for ongoing debates to conclude.
Focus on Early Childhood
The initiative will prioritise screen time guidelines for children aged 0 to six years old. They recognise this period as crucial for developing healthy habits. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) oversee key touchpoints for young children through child and maternity care services and preschools.
Gusto Study Findings7
Local research, particularly the Gusto (Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes) study, underscores the impact of screen time on child development. The study, which follows children conceived in 2009, found that pervasive screen time at 12 months old alters brain activity and negatively affects executive functions, such as self-control and working memory, by age nine. Further research indicates that screen time in infancy can lead to enduring changes in brain structure, compromising development.
Proposed Measures
In March 2023, MOH issued formal guidelines on screen use in children, which included the following recommendations:
- Children under 18 months: Discourage screen use except for interactive video chatting.
- Children between 18 and 36 months: Limit screen time to less than one hour daily.
- Older children: Avoid screen use during meals and one hour before bedtime.
Implementation Plans
Moving forward, Singapore plans to:
- Make advice on screen time clearer and more definitive.
- Deliver consistent messages across all healthcare settings.
- Integrate these guidelines into preschool practices.
- Encourage adoption of healthy screen time habits at home.
Broader Impacts and Future Directions
Ministers Ong and Masagos noted that screen time management is part of a broader strategy to address mental health challenges, a national priority outlined by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The ministers emphasised the importance of protecting young minds from excessive and inappropriate online content, which can lead to profound developmental impacts.
Conclusion
Electronic devices and social media are now ubiquitous, and Singapore aims to ensure that their use enhances rather than undermines mental wellness. The upcoming measures reflect a commitment to safeguarding the health and development of the nation’s youth through informed and proactive screen time management.
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