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Smart Tips for Screen Time Control

In support of the Digital for Life Movement by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), we’ve created a guide to help parents make informed decisions about their children’s smart device use — featuring practical tips from Dr Stephanie Hii on managing screen time at different ages.

Screens & Kids: Finding the Balance for Healthy Development

From learning tools to entertainment, screens have become a regular part of childhood. While technology can support growth in many ways, excessive screen time may affect a child’s development in areas like sleep, focus, and physical activity.

Recognising the importance of early prevention, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Education (MOE), and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) launched Grow Well SG in January 2025 — a national strategy to promote healthier habits and lifestyles among children and adolescents.

Here is what parents should know, and how we can help our children strike the right balance.

What is the Impact of Excessive Screen Time?

Too much screen time can have far-reaching effects, especially in growing children. While the signs aren’t always obvious at first, they tend to show up over time. Below are some of the key areas where the impact is often seen:

 

Physical

 

  • Vision problems – Eye strain, myopia, dry eyes, and issues with eye coordination might arise.
  • Obesity – A sedentary lifestyle and reduced physical activity can lead to weight gain and poorer cardiovascular health.
  • Poor Sleep – Bright screens at night might disrupt melatonin production, leading to difficulty falling and staying asleep.
  • Poor posture – Constantly hunching over smart devices can lead to postural issues and musculoskeletal discomfort.

Cognitive

 

  • Shorter attention spans – Constant screen stimulation can make it harder for kids to concentrate on tasks that require sustained attention.
  • Delays in language development – Passive screen use reduces opportunities for learning language through conversation. Real-life interaction is key to early language development.
  • Poorer social skills – Without interactive play, children might miss out on developing essential social skills like empathy and turn-taking.

Behavioural

 

  • Emotional issues – Increased screen time is linked to irritability, aggression, and mood swings.
  • Violence exposure – Some content may normalise aggressive behaviours, potentially influencing how children respond to conflict or frustration.
  • Social media dangers – Cyberbullying, scams, and harmful content can impact self-esteem and mental health.
  • Addiction-like features – Dependence and withdrawal-like symptoms may arise when screens are removed. Children might struggle to manage boredom or regulate their emotions without digital stimulation.
  • Academic decline – Distractions from screens can impact school performance. This might affect confidence and motivation over time.
  • Strained relationships – Opportunities for family bonding and meaningful, real-world connections might be reduced.

What Can We Do to Manage Screen Time Use?

Managing screen time isn’t about removing devices altogether, but about setting healthy boundaries that fit each stage of growth. Here are some practical ways to guide your child based on their age:

Preschoolers (0-6 years old)

  • Limit use – Avoid screen time for children under 18 months, and preferably until age 2. Limit to less than 1 hour of screen time daily outside of school.
  • Be selective – Choose educational, age-appropriate, and high-quality content.
  • Engage – Watch together and ask them questions to promote learning (e.g. pointing out colours, numbers, or shapes)
  • Avoid using screens as a “babysitter”– Try not to rely on smart devices to keep the kids occupied or calm.
  • Keep screens off in the background – Avoid having the TV on during meals or playtime.
  • Prioritise – Place added importance on unplugged playtime and face-to-face interactions.
  • Go outside – A trip to the playground beats watching another cartoon episode. 

Primary School Children (7-12 years old)

  • Limit – Keep recreational screen time use to less than two hours daily.
  • No media use during tasks – Unless it is related to schoolwork, discourage smart device usage during homework to help your child maintain focus.
  • Monitor and restrict content – Use parental controls to block inappropriate content and manage app usage.
  • Discuss and reflect – Having regular conversations with your child on their online activities will guide them on safe internet use.
  • Gradual reduction – If your child struggles with self-regulation, gradually cut the usage of the smart device (e.g., reduce by 15 minutes per week).

Secondary & Tertiary Students (13-17 years old)

  • Track and limit daily screen time – Use screen time trackers to help your teen recognise their usage and log off when needed.
  • Encourage mindfulness – Help them notice when they’re using smart devices out of boredom, not need.
  • Encourage self-control – Establish healthy boundaries around apps that encourage excessive use, such as social media platforms or games.
  • Talk about real situations – Have open conversations about online safety, digital etiquette, and how to handle tricky scenarios (e.g. what to do if contacted by a stranger online).
  • Support face-to-face socialising – Encourage in-person interaction instead of prolonged virtual communication.
  • Lead by example – Limiting your own screen use in front of your teen goes a long way in helping them cultivate good screen habits.
  • Encourage offline activities – Promote sports, volunteering, or hobbies as meaningful alternatives to screen time.

Healthy Screen Habits for the Whole Family

Creating healthy screen habits starts at home, and it often begins with simple, everyday choices. Here are some ways the whole family can get involved.

 

  • Prioritise family time – Be intentional and mindful when the family is together, no smart devices at the dinner table or during bedtime routines.
  • Promote non-screen activities – Cook, exercise, play games, or run errands together.
  • Set clear boundaries – Set firm screen time rules and tech-free zones in the house.
  • Support physical wellbeing – Practise healthy eye habits: keep screens at a safe distance, take regular breaks, look into the distance, and sit with good posture.
Let’s help lay the foundation right for our children! Find out more on how you can protect your child from online risks and use technology in a healthy and balanced way on the Digital for Life portal today!

In support of:

Contributed by: Dr. Stephanie Hii

Consultant Paediatrician at SBCC Baby & Child Clinic

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