Managing screen time for kids has become a significant concern for most parents in this digital age. The Ministry of Health in Singapore has recently updated its guidelines to regulate screen exposure for children, emphasising the importance of a healthy lifestyle. This is part of a newly launched national health strategy to encourage children to adopt healthier lifestyles with regards to their eating, sleeping, exercising and bonding habits.
Why Limiting Screen Time Matters
According to the Centre for Holistic Initiatives for Learning & Development (CHILD), children under 18 months old should not be allowed any passive viewing screen time (passive viewing refers to screen viewing without adult co-viewing and interaction) as the early years are a critical window for children’s cognitive development. Excessive screen time, especially passive consumption of media, can negatively impact a child’s cognitive development, attention span, and physical health. The new recommendations suggest:
Children below 18 months should have no screen exposure except for interactive video chatting.
Children aged 18 months to six years should have less than an hour of screen time daily, with a preference for interactive and educational content.
Children aged seven to 12 years should limit non-school-related screen use to under two hours a day and have a structured screen time plan.
How to Manage Your Kid's Screen Time
#1 Set Rules on Screen Time
Before allowing your child to have screen time, rules need to be established. Your child should know how much screen time they are permitted, and where it is allowed. Rules also should apply to older kids too. If they are old enough, explain to them about the reasons for the rules.
Consistent enforcement of such rules should be followed. It can be tempting to give in to them, but remind yourself that this is for their own good. If you have grandparents or a helper looking after your child, make sure that they’re aware of the rules and enlist their help in enforcing the rules strictly.
#2 Use Parental Controls to Limit Screen Time
Many devices and apps come with parental-control settings which help parents monitor and control the amount of screen time their child is exposed to. Your child will no longer be able to use the electronic device once the allocated time limit you’ve set for him is used up.
#3 Keep an Eye On It
It is important to know what your child is watching or game they’re playing. Get yourself involved as much as possible to make sure the content they are consuming is safe.
#4 No means No
It is important to exercise your authority when controlling your child’s screen time. No means no, and they will naturally divert their attention to other activities when they know they are not getting any more screen time.
#5 Offer Alternative Activities
Children love to play, so encourage your child to go out and play! A child needs at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Diverting their attention with an equally fun, exciting activity is the best way to get them to limit their screen time willingly.
Some options to get them to spend more time offline include:
Organising Outdoor Activities as a Family
Bring your child out for a walk together or have a picnic! This also provides valuable bonding time with them.
Introduce them to your childhood games
Teach them how to play old-school games like hopscotch or marbles. Playing board games with them will also help improve their cognitive skills
Attend classes
Different classes for children can help them pick up different skills that they might find helpful in future. Cooking, pottery and sports classes can be a fun way for your child to find a hobby they love.
At Infiniti Kids, we’re passionate about getting kids moving! We teach more than just sports, we instill a lifestyle centered around staying active, building confidence, and developing essential life skills.
Through age appropriate and engaging multi sports classes, we help children cultivate teamwork, discipline, and perseverance while having fun. Our goal is to create a foundation for lifelong healthy habits that extend beyond the playing field. Join us today and give your child the opportunity to grow, explore, and thrive! Sign up for a trial class here!
Read our other blog articles here.
Further reading:
No screen time, period: What are the new guidelines to help parents manage kids’ device use? by The Straits Times
What Every Parent Should Know About Screen Time by Healthhub
Concerned about your children getting too much screen time? Here’s how to dial back by The Straits Times
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