Parents and Teachers Concerned About Excessive Screen Time Among Students
In recent years, school-issued personal learning devices (PLDs) such as iPads and Chromebooks have become commonplace in Singapore’s secondary schools. Since 2021, all secondary school students have been provided with these devices to aid in learning, with the goal of fostering digital literacy and supporting online platforms like the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS). However, concerns have emerged over the increasing distractions these devices are causing in classrooms.
A study from Gan Eng Seng School revealed that many students are spending more time on entertainment apps like YouTube and TikTok than on educational activities. One parent discovered that their 13-year-old child had spent more than three hours on non-educational apps during school hours, including online gaming under the desk. This behavior aligns with concerns from multiple parents who reported their children using PLDs for social media, games, and messaging apps during lessons, often resulting in a significant reduction in focus.
Despite the intent to enhance learning, many teachers have observed students bypassing device restrictions and using their devices for non-academic purposes. Although schools install apps like Mobile Guardian to limit access to distracting content, students have found ways to circumvent these restrictions. For example, some students were able to reset factory settings or download restricted apps, raising concerns among both parents and educators.
The situation has added a layer of complexity to parenting. Parents like Andrew Soo have expressed frustration at being unable to control their children’s screen time at school, as they can only manage the devices at home. Some students have resorted to using the devices during recess and lunch breaks, often choosing to stay inside and play games rather than socialize.
In response, schools have begun to take more proactive measures, providing counselling and working closely with parents to monitor device use. While some teachers have integrated devices into lessons to facilitate real-time collaboration, others have noted that technical issues or distractions from the devices sometimes make it easier to refrain from using them in class.
Experts like digital wellness educator Carol Loi suggest that the introduction of screens could be delayed until students are in Secondary 3, allowing younger students to settle into their school life first. Additionally, she recommends that schools begin teaching digital management skills in upper primary to better prepare students for device use.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) maintains that the PLD initiative is aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills for an increasingly digital world. However, it acknowledges that self-regulation and guidance from parents and educators are key to ensuring the responsible use of devices.
