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Survey Finds Singapore’s Young Children Exceed Screen-Time Limits as Parents Seek Support

Officials outline tougher safeguards, setting an app-store deadline in March 2026 with a new Online Safety Commission targeted by mid-2026.

Overview

  • An MDDI survey of 1,986 parents released Sept 12 reports 58% of children aged 2–6 exceed MOH’s one-hour weekday limit, rising to 81% on weekends.
  • Only 37% of parents feel confident guiding digital habits, with top worries including inappropriate content, stranger contact and cyberbullying.
  • Device exposure starts early, as 55% of parents of two- to four-year-olds say their child owns or uses a device, mainly for streaming and gaming.
  • About 59% of parents want more help from government; among them, 57% call for stronger laws and 44% ask for practical digital guides and resources.
  • IMDA’s 2023 social media code and 2025 app-store code require age-appropriate safeguards, with app stores due to implement measures by Mar 31, 2026, and the government planning outreach workshops alongside the proposed commission.