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Parents call for help in managing kids' device use, as lines blur between learning and leisure

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 13:01 GMT by The Straits Times
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Singapore Parents Urge Action as Children’s Device Use Blurs the Line Between Learning and Leisure

In the wake of a rapidly digitising world, Singaporean parents are sounding the alarm over how easily children’s screen time is slipping from educational purposes into endless leisure. A recent piece in The Straits Times highlighted the growing unease among parents, the lack of clear guidance, and the steps that the Ministry of Education (MOE) and other agencies are beginning to take to help families navigate this new terrain.

The Problem: “It’s All the Same, Isn’t It?”

The article opens with a stark illustration: a mother of a 10‑year‑old girl recounts watching her daughter scroll through TikTok for hours after completing an online math module. “I thought the device was only for learning, but it’s become a playground,” the mother says. This sentiment is echoed by many parents who feel that the distinction between “educational use” and “entertainment” has become increasingly murky.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) recently released a study showing that while children under 12 now spend an average of 3.5 hours daily on educational apps, a similar amount of time is spent on social media and gaming. The overlap, the study suggests, raises concerns about cognitive overload, diminished attention spans, and the erosion of healthy sleep habits.

Expert Insights: Cognitive and Emotional Impact

Dr. Li Xinyue, a child psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health, warns that “the constant switch between learning tasks and entertainment content can hinder deep learning and lead to emotional dysregulation.” She cites research indicating that prolonged screen exposure, especially before bedtime, can disrupt melatonin production, causing sleep disturbances that, in turn, impair academic performance.

In the same article, a representative from the Ministry of Education’s Digital Learning Strategy team acknowledges the challenge. “We’re launching a ‘Digital Well‑Being Curriculum’ for secondary schools next semester,” the official notes. “This will equip students with the skills to discern credible sources, manage their screen time, and maintain a healthy digital lifestyle.”

Policy Moves and School‑Based Initiatives

The MOE has already introduced a pilot program in select primary schools where teachers monitor device usage during lessons via a dedicated app. The system flags when students begin to divert from assigned tasks, prompting teachers to intervene. Parents, the article notes, have praised this approach but also stress the need for parental controls that extend beyond school premises.

Singapore’s Health Promotion Board (HPB) has published “Digital Well‑Being for Kids,” a booklet with practical tips such as:

1. Set a Daily Screen‑Time Budget – Use built‑in device settings to limit usage to a pre‑agreed number of hours.
2. Create Tech‑Free Zones – Bedrooms and family dining areas should be device‑free to preserve quality sleep and interpersonal interactions.
3. Encourage ‘Offline’ Play – Outdoor activities, board games, and family hobbies help children develop non‑digital skills.

Parents are also encouraged to engage in “device‑free” afternoons, where the family takes a walk or reads a physical book together. Dr. Li emphasises that “consistent routines signal to children that life doesn’t revolve around a screen.”

Community Voices and Parental Calls for Guidance

A striking portion of the article highlights a parent forum on the National Council of Women’s “Parenting & Education” page, where 200 parents drafted a petition to the MOE. Their key demands include:

• A national standard for acceptable screen time across age groups.
• Clear guidelines on differentiating educational from leisure content.
• Resources for parents to monitor and manage their children’s device habits.
• Training workshops for parents to understand digital safety and privacy.

The MOE has responded by setting up an online consultation portal for parents. This portal will collect feedback, compile best‑practice guidelines, and disseminate them through schools, community centres, and social media.

A Global Context: UNESCO’s Digital Citizenship Framework

The article briefly references UNESCO’s 2021 “Digital Citizenship for All” framework, which encourages countries to adopt policies that safeguard young people’s well‑being in the digital age. Singapore’s approach aligns with UNESCO’s emphasis on the “four pillars” of digital literacy: critical thinking, responsible use, privacy, and digital health. By incorporating these pillars into the new curriculum, the MOE hopes to create a generation of children who can navigate digital spaces safely and productively.

Practical Tips for Parents

Drawing from the article’s synthesis, here are actionable steps parents can adopt immediately:

1. Use Parental‑Control Apps – Apps like Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time let parents set limits and monitor app usage.
2. Prioritise Quality Content – Encourage the use of vetted educational platforms such as the National Digital Library or Singapore’s EduTech portal.
3. Schedule ‘Tech‑Free’ Intervals – Designate specific times, such as after school or before dinner, when devices are put away.
4. Model Digital Hygiene – Parents who demonstrate balanced device use set a stronger example for their children.
5. Open Dialogue – Regularly discuss why certain content is chosen and how it supports learning goals.

Looking Forward

As Singapore strides toward becoming a “Smart Nation,” the convergence of learning and leisure on digital devices is inevitable. However, the article concludes on a hopeful note: by combining government policy, school initiatives, and parental involvement, the nation can safeguard children’s cognitive and emotional health while still reaping the educational benefits of technology.

The MOE’s forthcoming “Digital Well‑Being Toolkit” will be a crucial resource, and the community’s active participation in shaping these guidelines underscores a collective commitment to nurturing a generation that thrives both online and offline. Parents are urged to keep the conversation going—after all, it’s a shared responsibility to guide children through the fine line between learning and leisure in a device‑rich world.