Children getting too much screen time? Here's how to dial back

Many parents turn to screens to entertain or distract their children, as well as for learning.

- Elisha Tushara

The Ministry of Health released its updated guidelines on Jan 21, to help parents manage the use of screens among young children and provide clearer advice for those with children up to 12 years old.

These include not giving children screen time during meals and one hour before bedtime.

Children younger than 18 months old should also not be allowed screen use, unless for video calls, and those under the age of seven should not be exposed to screens in the background.

Here are some alternative activities for parents trying to limit screen time.

DURING MEALS

Instead of using screens to get children to remain in their seats while waiting for food to arrive at a restaurant:

• Pack a "busy bag" with items such as magnets, a colouring book or small toys from home, so children are engaged through play, says Ms Rowena Mark Ramos, 37, head of curriculum at Babilou Family Singapore. For example, they can create different shapes with magnets, colour with crayons, or pretend play with small dinosaurs.

• Play a round of Would You Rather with silly food-related questions like "Would you rather eat a giant strawberry or a tiny watermelon", to encourage conversation and hone language skills, says Ms Amelia Jaishree, lecturer at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development.