Screen Use Guidelines Implemented in Singapore Schools: A Comprehensive Approach
In a groundbreaking move to address children’s health, Singapore will be implementing guidelines on screen use in schools, including preschools, as part of a new national strategy named Grow Well SG. This comprehensive approach, launched on Tuesday, January 21, is a joint effort by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Education (MOE), and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).
Tackling Excessive Screen Time
Under the new strategy, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will update its code of practice for preschools, effective February 1, to mandate no screen use for infants up to 18 months. Research has shown a strong association between screen use and cognitive development in infants and toddlers, emphasizing the importance of appropriate and limited screen time for young children.
MSF clarified that while most preschools currently do not use screens for infants, the updated code of practice formalizes these practices. The ministry will provide guidance and support to preschools during the initial six months of implementation, ensuring a smooth transition before taking regulatory actions if necessary.
Establishing Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Citing local studies on the long-term benefits of healthy habits from a young age, Grow Well SG will also target poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, and insufficient physical activity through focused interventions. MOH will introduce personalized health plans for Primary 1 to 3 students during their annual school health screenings, providing recommendations and referrals when needed.
Parents will have access to their child’s health plan via HealthHub and Healthy 365, receiving personalized recommendations on building healthy habits. The ministry plans to expand these initiatives to include children from other age groups in the future.
More Support for Schools
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) will provide primary schools with data on their student population’s health and lifestyle, allowing for targeted interventions and education on healthy behaviors. Efforts to promote healthier meals in schools will be enhanced by helping canteen vendors purchase healthier ingredients and expanding the range of healthy recipes available.
In a press conference at Temasek Primary School, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung emphasized the importance of inculcating good lifestyle habits in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. The strategy is a response to the increasing influence of screens, social media, and smartphones on children’s lifestyles and health, highlighting the need for early intervention and education.
The comprehensive approach taken by Singapore’s government reflects a commitment to prioritizing children’s health and well-being, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for the next generation. By introducing guidelines on screen use and promoting healthy habits from a young age, Singapore is setting a precedent for other nations to follow in safeguarding the health of their youth.