Singapore Teens Face Social Media Daily Time Limits

Singapore Legislation Targets Addictive Features and Stranger Danger

The Singaporean government wants platforms to protect teen users from direct messages sent by unknown individuals, often referred to as “stranger danger,” according to Teo. Algorithmic feeds, autoplay, and infinite scroll are also major concerns, with ongoing discussions focusing on how to establish a natural stopping point for endless scrolling. Teo noted that engagement with various groups brought forward the idea that a time limit for using a specific platform could effectively address infinite scrolling. Currently, Singapore maintains a code of practice covering six designated social media services: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, HardwareZone, and X.

Global Push for Youth Social Media Restrictions

Singapore’s proposed rules mirror broader international efforts to curb children’s and teenagers’ use of social media. In Europe, the European Commission is weighing sweeping restrictions, including age limits, an outright ban, and phased access, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen stated that the executive arm could propose new legislation within months following recommendations from an expert panel, noting that the rules focus on when social media can access children rather than whether children can access social media. The European panel recommended a phased approach, including no screens for children under three, supervised internet use for those under 13, and limits for older teens, while forcing platforms to prove their services are safe. Meanwhile, preliminary EU investigations have already found Meta in breach of the Digital Services Act over the addictive design of Facebook and Instagram, with a similar finding issued against TikTok earlier this year.

Tiered Safeguards Versus Outright Bans

Unlike countries such as Australia and Indonesia that have pursued outright social media bans for younger users, Singapore is looking at a tiered model. Teenagers in Singapore would continue accessing social media with additional safeguards before gaining a fuller experience from age 18. Age checks will play a key role in enforcement, with the government assessing operator-proposed methods—such as age estimation, age inference, and age verification—much like existing app store requirements. Teo pointed to Meta’s recently agreed social media limits in the US as a useful reference, though implementation details like default autoplay settings may differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Singapore’s new social media legislation be introduced?

Singapore plans to introduce the legislation early next year, with changes expected to be tabled to require stronger safeguards for teen users.

What platforms are currently covered by Singapore’s code of practice?

Singapore’s current code of practice covers six designated social media services: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, HardwareZone, and X.

What happens if social media platforms refuse to implement the safeguards?

According to Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, if a platform cannot or does not want to introduce stronger safeguards, Singapore intends to raise the minimum access age to that platform to 18.

What specific features are lawmakers targeting?

Lawmakers are targeting algorithmic feeds, autoplay, infinite scrolling, and direct messages from unknown users, with daily time limits being seriously considered as a remedy.