Singapore Bans ‘Background Screen Time’ for Kids Under 18 Months

As screens become an unavoidable part of daily life, research continues to highlight their effects on young, developing minds. In response, efforts to limit screen exposure are gaining momentum—not just among organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) but also at a national level.

Singapore is leading the charge with some of the world’s strictest screen time guidelines for young children. The city-state’s Ministry of Health (MOH) recently introduced updated recommendations aimed at reducing early childhood exposure to screens.

The new rules completely ban “background screen time”—passive exposure that occurs when a TV, tablet or phone is on nearby, even if a child isn’t actively watching. From scrolling social media to watching a show in the background, this includes situations where a family member, caregiver, or another person is using a screen in the child’s presence.

The guidelines also set strict limits for older kids. Children between 18 months and 6 years should only engage with screens for educational purposes—and even then, for no more than one hour per day. For children aged 7 to 12, recreational screen time should be limited to under two hours daily.

While some parents may find these rules strict—or even unrealistic in today’s busy world—research suggests that excessive screen exposure, including background screen time, can negatively affect early language development, attention span and cognitive growth. These guidelines closely align with AAP recommendations, which advise no screen time for children under 18 months, limited educational screen use for toddlers and ongoing moderation for older kids to support healthy development.

The new regulations will take effect in Singapore’s preschools and primary schools in February 2025. Parents will still have the flexibility to manage screen time at home, but Health Minister Ong believes that “through collaborative efforts between families, schools and communities, these guidelines will contribute to improvements in children’s overall well-being.”

Of course, cutting back on screen time isn’t always easy—especially when you have laundry to do and a screaming toddler to entertain. Looking for alternatives? Check out these top-rated toddler toys and fun indoor and outdoor activities to keep little ones engaged without a screen.