DIGITAL DETOX FOR KIDS

Parents turn to nature and sports to encourage physical activity and social interaction, and reduce screen time

- Amrita Kaur

While festive gatherings like Chinese New Year are a time for socializing and bonding with family, it is not unusual to see children and teenagers spending their time on digital devices instead of participating in conversations or engaging with others.

They may be distracted by their screens, scrolling through social media, playing games or watching videos.

Recognizing the growing concern around screen use, the Ministry of Health launched an updated set of guidelines on Jan 21 for children up to 12 years old.

These guidelines advise avoiding screen use for those under 18 months, except for interactive video chatting, and keeping screens off during other activities.

For young ones aged 18 months to six years, screen time should be limited to under an hour daily outside school. For those aged seven to 12, the recommendation is less than two hours of screen use daily, unless it is for schoolwork.

In November 2024, The Straits Times reported that counselors and social workers in Singapore are seeing more youth dealing with various forms of digital addiction, ranging from excessive use of social media to countless hours spent on gaming.

Mr Andy Leach, principal addictions therapist and director at Visions, says digital screens offer an immediate escape from the unpredictability of social interactions, which can feel overwhelming or boring to some children and teenagers.

Visions is the addictions treatment arm of Promises Healthcare, a psychiatry and psychology clinic.

He adds: "Apps and games provide instant gratification and a sense of control that children and teenagers might lack in real-life settings. During gatherings, these devices can serve as a comforting shield, reducing the effort needed to engage socially."