New evidence-based guidance on screen time for children and adolescents recommends that among school-aged children, actively managing device use is the best way to build a normalised, lifelong relationship with technology. This guide, based on an extensive review of research evidence and consultation with mental health and media professionals, offers practical tips and checklists for parents, children and young people aged 7 to 18 in Singapore. 

Evidence discussed in the guide shows screen use has both positive and negative effects. Screen use has a less significant role in wellbeing than other factors such as lifestyle habits or parenting styles, although research also identifies that a subset of children and teenagers will use devices in problematic ways. Researchers estimate that in under-25s:

• 1 in 4 show signs of problematic phone use
• 1 in 3 use social networking platforms in a problematic way
• 1 in 20 meet the criteria for internet gaming disorder.