Singapore Launches Program to Help Families Use Technology in Healthy Ways

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong started a new program called 'Screen Smart from the Start' on May 31. The program helps families learn healthy ways to use technology and screens. Wong announced this at the National Family Festival at the Singapore Expo. The government created this program because many parents need help managing their children's screen time.

A government survey found that only 37 percent of parents feel confident about guiding their children's digital habits. More than half of the parents said they wanted more help with this challenge. The survey asked nearly 2,000 parents in Singapore about their experiences with technology and their kids.

Technology today creates bigger challenges than in the past. Prime Minister Wong explained that parents used to worry about comics, TV shows, and video games. Now, technology and screens are 'more intense' because apps are designed to be addictive. Children can also find harmful content online or have toxic interactions with other people.

The new program created a website called 'Be Screen Smart' that gives tips to parents. The website divides advice into three age groups: children aged 0 to 6, 7 to 12, and 13 to 18. Parents can learn how to choose safe content for their children. They can also learn how to set clear family rules about using devices.