Singapore has launched a nationwide movement aimed at helping families reduce children’s screen time and develop healthier digital habits, as concerns grow over excessive device use among young people.
The initiative, titled Screen Smart From The Start, was launched on Sunday by Lawrence Wong, according to an official statement from his office. The campaign focuses on equipping parents with tools and guidance to manage their children’s digital activities from an early age.
Speaking at the launch, Wong said the government would provide structured resources to help parents shape responsible digital behaviour in children before unhealthy habits take hold. He stressed that early intervention was key in today’s technology-driven environment.
As part of the initiative, parents can now access the Be Screen Smart portal, which offers age-specific guidance for children in three groups: early childhood from ages 0 to 6, primary school years from 7 to 12, and teenagers aged 13 to 18.
According to officials, the portal helps parents choose age-appropriate content, protect children from harmful or inappropriate online material, and set clear household rules around screen use. It also encourages families to have open conversations about responsible digital behaviour.
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Wong noted that concerns about children’s media consumption were not new. “In the past, parents worried about comics, television, and video games,” he said. However, he warned that today’s digital challenges are more complex due to addictive platform features, exposure to harmful content, and toxic online interactions.
The prime minister said these factors have made screen management significantly harder for families, increasing the risk of dependency and negative mental health outcomes among children and adolescents.
As part of suggested family practices, Wong advised parents to avoid mobile phone use during meals and to keep devices out of bedrooms whenever possible. He said once phones are in children’s rooms, parents have limited control over late-night usage.
He also urged families to delay giving smartphones to children for as long as practical, describing early smartphone access as a major contributor to excessive screen time.
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In addition to digital guidance, the Be Screen Smart portal will feature a list of accessible offline activities suitable for children of all age groups. These activities are expected to roll out ahead of the June school holidays, encouraging families to spend more time together away from screens.
The campaign reflects Singapore’s broader approach to balancing technological advancement with social wellbeing, as governments worldwide grapple with the impact of digital overuse on children and families.
