No magic formula to children's screen time

Instead of setting rigid screen time limits for children at home during these unprecedented times, parents should steer them towards cognitively stimulating content that promotes positive social development

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With the June holidays in full swing in Singapore, overseas travel a no go, and a collective effort to stay home to contain the spread of Covid-19, anxious parents are seeking ways to keep their kids who are unable to leave the house mentally and physically active, even as many of them are working from home at the same time.

While devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, video game players and television sets help children pass the time, parents are - and rightfully should be - concerned about the downside of excessive screen time.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 14, 2021, with the headline No magic formula to children's screen time. Subscribe