Singapore launches 'Screen Smart From The Start' campaign to manage children's digital activities

Singapore launched a national initiative on Sunday to help families cultivate healthy digital habits in children by reducing screen time, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled the ‘Screen Smart From The Start’ campaign, aimed at assisting parents seeking guidance on managing their children’s digital activities. The government will provide resources to help parents foster healthy digital habits from an early age.

Parents can now access the ‘Be Screen Smart’ portal, offering tips for children and teenagers divided into three age groups: 0-6, 7-12, and 13-18 years. The portal includes advice on selecting appropriate content to protect children from online inappropriateness and establishing clear family norms for device usage.

Wong recommended avoiding phone use during family meals and not allowing phones in bedrooms, as parents cannot monitor late-night usage. He also advised delaying the provision of smartphones to children for as long as possible.

The portal will list accessible offline activities for families with children of all ages, starting with the June school holidays.