Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has launched a new national initiative to help parents manage children’s screen use, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening families and supporting parenthood aspirations.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong has called on parents, schools and communities to work together to build healthier digital habits among children, as he launched the National Family Festival 2026 and the new “Screen Smart From The Start” campaign.
Speaking at the festival’s opening event, Wong described families as the bedrock of Singapore society and highlighted the growing pressures facing families worldwide, including work-life demands, caregiving responsibilities and the challenges posed by an increasingly digital world.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting families at every stage of life, noting that ongoing efforts are being made to address concerns related to the cost of raising children, childcare support and housing for young couples.
A key focus of the speech was the impact of digitalisation on family life. Wong said that while technology provides access to information and learning opportunities, excessive screen time can negatively affect children’s development, social interactions and family relationships.
He noted that digital devices and social media platforms present new challenges due to addictive features and potentially harmful online content, making the issue more complex than previous concerns over television or video games.
To address these concerns, PM Wong announced the launch of the “Screen Smart From The Start” campaign, a national initiative designed to equip parents with practical tools and guidance to help children develop healthy digital habits from an early age.
Under the campaign, parents are encouraged to avoid screen exposure entirely for infants and babies under 18 months old. For older children, parents are advised to limit screen use, engage with children while they are using digital devices and discuss online content together.
The Prime Minister also encouraged families to establish technology-free family time, particularly during meals, and recommended delaying the introduction of smartphones for children for as long as possible. Where communication devices are necessary, he suggested starting with phones that do not have internet access.
PM Wong stressed that limiting screen time should be accompanied by increased opportunities for family interaction. He highlighted ongoing efforts to create more family-friendly spaces across Singapore, including parks, libraries and museums, where families can spend quality time together.
Recognising that many parents face peer pressure when setting boundaries on device use, Wong said the campaign aims to create new social norms around healthy digital habits. He emphasised that success would require a collective effort involving families, schools, community groups and volunteers.
The Prime Minister praised the Families for Life Council and its volunteers for their role in strengthening family bonds and fostering a family-centric culture in Singapore.
He concluded by urging Singaporeans to continue investing time in their families and communities, ensuring that every family feels supported and empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The National Family Festival, held annually in June, celebrates the importance of families and encourages Singaporeans to strengthen relationships with loved ones through a range of family-oriented activities and community programmes.
Source: PMO
