In today’s digital age, managing screen time for preschoolers has become a critical concern for parents. By the age of 2 to 3 years, children in Singapore spend an average of 2.5 hours a day on screens. 

Managing screen time for preschoolers is crucial for their overall development and well-being. This blog post provides parents with practical strategies for balancing screen time, and technology use for their young children, ensuring they grow up healthy and engaged with the world around them.

Here are some statistics on screen time usage in Singapore

• Smartphones and touchscreen tablets are the most commonly used devices among children under 7 years old. ¹ 
• A 2021 study found that nearly all infants and toddlers under the age of two are exposed to around 2 hours of screen time daily.²
• Children as young as six months are regularly exposed to screens, often used by their parents as a way to pacify the child. 
• By the age of 2 to 3 years, children in Singapore spend an average of 2.5 hours a day on screens.³
• By 18 to 24 months, about 90% of children engage in daily passive screen viewing without interaction or co-viewing.

While excessive screen time can be a concern, it is important to recognise that there are potential benefits when screen time is managed appropriately.

For instance, age-appropriate and co-viewed screen-based programmes can help strengthen emotional connections within the family. Moderate screen use can positively impact mental well-being, providing a sense of relaxation and enjoyment. For older children, digital technology can play a crucial role in enhancing social relationships and supporting friendships.

Additionally, gaming has been shown to improve perceptual and motor skills, contributing to cognitive development. Educational games, apps, and TV programmes can also boost academic performance, enrich knowledge, and enhance literacy skills. 

When used wisely, screen time can be a valuable tool in a child’s development.

However, excessive use comes with several potential risks, especially in young children. Increased screen use has been linked to poor sleep behaviours starting as early as 0-5 years old, which can affect overall health and development. This can lead to increased sedentary behaviour, contributing to obesity. There is also a connection between high screen time and depression in children, affecting their mental health and well-being. Additionally, excessive screen use can lead to addiction and increase online vulnerability. Excessive screen use is associated with an increased risk of myopia. 

For children under five, the negative effects of screen use may outweigh the positives, particularly concerning cognitive development. While high-quality content can positively influence language development, the negatives outweigh the positives for children under two years old. Children who start using screens at an earlier age tend to have weaker language skills. Screen time in early childhood (0-5 years) has been found to predict attention problems later in life.⁴

Parents must manage their children’s screen time to mitigate these risks and ensure a balanced approach to technology use.

In Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends specific screen time limits to promote healthy habits in children. These guidelines are⁵:⁶

• For children under 2 years old, no screen time is advised. 
• Preschoolers aged 2 to 5 should have no more than 1 hour of screen time per day. 
• For school-aged children, the limit is set to a maximum of 2 hours daily. 

A 2020 study showed that only 27% of children in Singapore adhered to the recommendation of one hour or less of screen time per day for preschool children. By the ages of 2 to 3 years, children in Singapore were spending an average of 2.5 hours a day on screens.⁴

Managing screen time for preschoolers is essential for their healthy development. Here are some practical tips to help:

Importance of Establishing Good Habits during Early Childhood
Establishing good habits early simplifies the enforcement of screen time rules. If parents follow the MOH guidelines from the beginning, it is easier to gradually allow more screen time rather than having to reduce it later.

Model Good Behaviour
Parents must model good behaviours regarding screen use, as children often imitate what they see. If a parent is constantly on their phone, it becomes challenging to convince a child to reduce their screen time.

Create Screen-Free Zones and Times
Designate screen-free areas in the home (like the dining table and bedrooms) and times (during meals and before bedtime).

Encourage Screen-Free Activities
Suggest activities that promote physical, cognitive, and social development, such as playing outside, arts and crafts, and reading books. There are many benefits to outdoor learning, and children can as they interact with their peers and navigate new environments.

Set Boundaries and Explain Limits
Establish clear rules for when and how screens can be used, as well as use parental locks and restrictions. Communicate the reasons for screen time limits to preschoolers in a way they can understand.

Create a Schedule and Stay Consistent
Develop a balanced daily schedule that includes limited screen time along with other activities such as outdoor play, reading, and creative play. Consistency with screen time rules and schedules is key to success.

Gradually Reduce Screen time
If it has become excessive, allowing children to adjust slowly to the new limits. 

Use Positive Reinforcement
Which can encourage children to engage in screen-free activities. Praising and rewarding their participation in these activities can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both parents and children.

In today’s tech-focused world, digital skills are critical for all children to learn. Digital literacy helps children use and understand technology, like knowing how to find and share information. Digital intelligence teaches them to think critically, stay safe online, and act responsibly. This is one of three vital skills, alongside relational skills and global citizenship, that NTUC First Campus is committed to developing in preschoolers so they thrive in the future. 

At our preschools, screens are thoughtfully integrated into the classroom to enhance learning.

Digital Literacy Curriculum
For example, we have a Digital Literacy Curriculum at Little Skool-House (LSH) that helps children develop essential digital skills. The K1-K2 curriculum covers topics such as online scams, data privacy and cyberbullying prevention, ensuring that young learners attain digital literacy, stay safe and become responsible digital citizens. The specially designed curriculum is taught once every two weeks through a mix of age-appropriate classroom activities, including storytelling, physical games and discussions, and hands-on practice with basic digital tools. Actual screen time is kept within a 20 minutes per week limit, well below Health Promotion Board’s recommended limit of 1 hour of screen time per day for children in that age group.

First Device Campaign
We also participate in the First Device Campaign by TOUCH Cyberwellness. This campaign highlights the pivotal moment when a child receives their first computer, tablet, or smartphone and aims to equip families with the necessary resources to effectively guide their children through their initial online experiences. 

Campaign resources include a video animation series, a Parents’ Guidebook to discuss topics like screen time management and online stranger awareness, a First Device Tech Agreement to set rules and boundaries, and a Media Plan Board to help balance daily routines with screen time.⁷

NTUC First Campus aims to share them with over 10,000 My First Skool (MFS) families in the next two years.

Effectively managing screen time for preschoolers is essential for their overall development and well-being. By following the guidelines and practical tips outlined in this article, parents can help their children develop healthy digital habits. 

At NTUC First Campus, we integrate thoughtful use of screens in our classrooms and provide resources to support parents in navigating their children’s digital journey. Together, we can ensure a balanced approach to technology that benefits every child’s growth and learning.

Learn more about our preschool programmes. 

When selecting screen content for preschoolers, parents should focus on high-quality educational apps and programmes that are age-appropriate and engaging. Look for interactive activities that encourage participation rather than passive viewing, as these can be more beneficial for learning and development. 

Parental involvement is also crucial; co-viewing and interacting with your child during screen time can significantly enhance their learning and engagement. This joint activity helps reinforce the educational content and provides an opportunity for bonding and discussion.

1. Khan Academy Kids: A free app offering a wide range of activities to help children develop literacy, math, and social-emotional skills. It’s designed for ages 2-8 and features interactive stories and lessons.
2. Sesame Street: The app offers interactive games, videos, and stories featuring popular Sesame Street characters aimed at teaching children about numbers, letters, and social skills. 
3. Starfall: Focuses on teaching children to read with phonics. It’s great for developing literacy skills through interactive books, games, and songs. 
4. Funbrain: An online platform offering a variety of games, videos, books, and activities aimed at developing skills in math, reading, and problem-solving. 
5. National Geographic Kids: Features educational videos and activities focusing on animals, science, space, history, and geography, encouraging children to explore and learn about the world around them. 
6. Sago Mini World: An app that offers a collection of interactive games and activities designed to spark creativity and imagination in young children. 

1. Singaporean Parents’ Views of Their Young Children’s Access and Use of Technological Devices. Early Childhood Education Journal. February 2015 ↩︎
2. Impact of Screen Viewing during Early Years on Cognitive Development. CHILD. July 2021 ↩︎
3. Too much screen time for toddlers may lead to unhealthy behaviours in later childhood. Sedentary Behaviour Research Network. March 2020 ↩︎
4. Evidence Review of Screen Use in Childhood. Ministry of Health. March 2023 ↩︎
5. Parent Hub: 0-2 Years – Screen Time. Health Hub ↩︎
6. Guidance on screen use in children. Ministry of Health ↩︎
7. First Device Campaign. Touch Community Services. September 2023 ↩︎