No screen time, period: What are the new guidelines to help parents manage kids’ device use?
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MOH has provided stricter and clearer guidelines on screen use for children up to 12 years of age.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
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SINGAPORE – Guidelines to manage the use of screens among young children have been updated by the Ministry of Health,
This is part of a newly launched national health strategy
Below 18 months
No screen use unless for interactive video chatting
Do not leave screens on in the background when child is engaged in other activities
18 months to six years
Limit screen use to less than an hour a day outside school
Passive screen use is not recommended, and should be balanced with active, interactive and educational screen use
View media together with children where possible; actively engage them by speaking to them and discussing what they are viewing
Do not use screens just to occupy or distract child
Carefully choose educational content and ensure it is age-appropriate; check content ratings if available
Do not leave screens on in the background
No screens during meals and one hour before bedtime
Seven to 12 years
Limit screen use to less than two hours a day, unless related to schoolwork
Develop a screen use plan or timetable
Have regular conversations with children to find out their online activities
Do not give children mobile devices with unrestricted access to internet and apps
Use parental control settings to monitor and ensure children access age-appropriate content and apps; check content ratings if available
Do not give children access to social media services: Major social media services require users to be at least 13
No screens during meals and one hour before bedtime
Take appropriate steps if there are concerns that child has difficulty regulating screen use
