Ong: More Conversation Needed on Teens' Social Media Usage

It is no longer about devices, but about how teens interact with social media: Minister

- Nadine Chua

There is a need to start thinking about what technology companies, parents and others can do for teens when it comes to their use of social media, said Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung.

Devices such as mobile phones and televisions take children's time away from doing other things such as interacting with their parents and siblings, and are a substitute for play, in the case of children aged 12 and below.

But when it comes to teenagers, it is "no longer about devices - it is about social media and how you interact with social media", the minister noted. "Here, I think we need a lot more conversation."

He added: "We need to start thinking about what can we do for those aged 13 and above, and what can tech companies do, what can parents do with your children?"

Mr Ong was speaking during a panel discussion on the role of family, community and technology in the use of digital devices among children on Feb 23. This was part of the launch of a new digital parenting initiative titled "Our Digital Journey" by social media platform TikTok and the non-profit Touch Cyber Wellness.