Digital Wellness Initiative Launched for Parents and Children

Why It Matters

Empowering parents with concrete tools and tighter safeguards can curb online harms, strengthening Singapore’s digital future and offering a model for global family‑focused tech policy.

Key Takeaways

• New portal offers age‑specific digital‑wellness tips for children.
• Children’s digital‑wellness books to be released later this year.
• Only one‑third of parents feel confident guiding online behavior.
• Singapore plans tighter social‑media safeguards for minors.
• National Family Festival targets one million participants with interactive workshops.

Summary

The Singapore government unveiled a digital‑wellness initiative aimed at helping parents guide their children’s online habits. A new online portal provides age‑specific tips, and children’s books on digital wellness will roll out later this year, coinciding with the National Family Festival’s launch during the June school holidays. Key data from the MDDI survey reveal that while nearly all parents worry about online harms, only about 33% feel confident advising their kids. In response, Singapore has already banned smartphone use during school hours and signals further restrictions on social‑media access for minors, though details will be released when ready. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that digitalization brings both opportunity and risk, noting addictive content and dangerous interactions. Interactive booths at the festival demonstrated practical habits, and a playbook will enable grassroots leaders to run digital‑wellness workshops across neighborhoods. The initiative aims to embed healthier digital practices in families, potentially reducing exposure to online harms and fostering stronger parent‑child bonds. By mobilising over 240 community partners, 165 corporate partners and 1,700 volunteers, Singapore seeks to set a benchmark for other nations grappling with similar challenges.

Original Description

A new digital wellness initiative has been launched to help parents support their children’s online journeys, with practical guidance tailored to different age groups from infancy to 18 years old. It includes a digital wellness portal, as well as upcoming children’s books and community workshops. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at the launch that Singapore will further strengthen safeguards around children’s access to social media, as families face growing challenges from harmful online content and interactions. Muhammad Bahajjaj reports.