With increasing concerns about children's screen time and its impact on development, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has recently introduced guidelines to help parents and educators better manage digital exposure among young children.

At Babilou Family Singapore, we have long recognised the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to screen time and have established clear guidelines since 2023 to ensure the well-being of the children in our care.

A Balanced and Purposeful Approach to Screen Time

Our screen time guidelines focus on fostering healthy developmental habits while leveraging digital tools in a controlled and meaningful manner.

Here’s how we implement our approach:

1. No Screens for Infants

Children under 18 months are not exposed to screens, allowing them to focus on face-to-face interactions and sensory exploration, which are crucial for early development.

2. Purposeful and Educational Use Only

Screens are used strictly for educational purposes, such as introducing new concepts or storytelling. Content is kept brief (3–5 minutes), and small devices like phones or tablets are avoided to ensure meaningful learning experiences.

3. Prioritising Interactive Engagement

Digital content is designed to promote active participation rather than passive viewing. Educators facilitate discussions to enhance children’s learning through snippets of documentaries rather than extended screen-based activities.

4. Balanced Learning Experiences

Digital exposure is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum alongside hands-on activities, outdoor play, and social interactions, ensuring a well-rounded and holistic learning experience.

5. Always Supervised 

Screens are never used without teacher supervision. Educators guide children through digital content to ensure alignment with developmental needs and learning goals.

6. Promoting Overall Well-being 

Screen-free mealtimes and pre-nap routines reinforce the importance of nutrition, rest, and personal connections for healthy growth.

Aligning with National Guidelines

As an early childhood education provider, we understand the need for structured and balanced digital exposure.

Babilou Family Singapore’s approach resonates with the newly introduced national guidelines, which encourage parents and schools to adopt mindful screen habits. While technology has its place in education, ensuring that it is used purposefully and in moderation is key to supporting children’s cognitive and social-emotional development.

The discussion on managing screen time for young children has been widely covered in the media, with Babilou Family Singapore sharing insights on this important topic.

Learn more from the following articles:

Channel News Asia: Screen time guidelines for children

The Straits Times: Concerned about your children getting too much screen time? Here’s how to dial back

The Straits Times: Weaning children off screens – Struggling working parents say they need help, not more rules

At Babilou Family Singapore, we remain committed to providing children with enriching and balanced learning experiences while equipping parents with practical strategies to navigate screen time at home.